In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Tomas Bepalo discusses their show What Gets Better?
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
What Gets Better? It is not only my debut solo show, it’s also my biggest production yet. It’s a personal and honest comedy about transitioning, masculinity, late neurodivergence diagnosis and sense of belonging (including intersectionality). Expect storytelling, stand up and a little bit of clowning.
A positive approach to life by realising that life doesn’t get better, we just become better at dealing with it. We move, we choose our family, we become confident (to the best of our abilities), we join and/or create organisations to help future generations, so they have it better. We find our definition of happiness. This show resembles my definition of queer joy, growth and acceptance.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I have to be honest — some of the jokes in my show were written a couple of years ago, and others just last week. The show has evolved many times. Originally, it was about my upbringing and how that shaped me as an adult. It was based on the phrase “It gets better,” which was a popular thing to say — especially among teachers.
However, after reflecting more deeply on the topic, it became clear that not much had actually changed. For instance, when I was growing up in Colombia, gay marriage wasn’t legal, and transgender people didn’t even exist in the eyes of the law — so I moved to the UK.
Now, 16 years later, gay marriage is legal in Colombia, and transgender rights are at least being recognised. Meanwhile, in the UK, the definition of “woman” has become a political battleground, toilets are being segregated again, and we seem to be going backwards when it comes to progress on trans rights.
So, I decided to focus more on the present, and leave the past for later in the show.
Please note: I answered these questions a month before the show’s debut — so it might have changed even more by the time you see it!
How have you approached developing the show?
Let’s get this out of the way: I am The Ideal Man Productions. The plan was to take five shows to Edinburgh Fringe 2025, including my solo show and four other experimental formats—talk show, game show, etc. But I decided to put everything into the solo show instead. It’s been over a year in the making, evolving constantly—especially one section about the Supreme Court and trans rights, which has been a moving target. I’m a perfectionist when it matters, and this one really matters. So I tested, rewrote, booked sessions with comedy mentors like Viv Gee and Adele Cliff—and I think I’ve landed in a place I’m genuinely proud of.
There was also going to be a cartoon and a song. The cartoon didn’t make the cut (which helps when travelling), but the song stuck—now the show’s theme tune. I’d never written music before, so I roped in friends: Pauline Vallance composed it, Stephen Davidson and folks from the London Trans Choir sang it, and Xavier Velastin pulled it all together and sound-designed the show. Along the way, I gigged anywhere that would have me—from a Camden market (next to literal stalls) to a bar in Sheffield I’d never set foot in until the day before. I even did international gigs in Berlin and Barcelona, previewed at multiple festivals, and took the overnight coach from Edinburgh to London more times than I’d recommend. Blanket. Two seats. Energy drinks. You’re welcome.
There have been wins and disasters: I’ve had to juggle gigs with life—like my best friend’s wedding on the same day as my next preview. If you come, I hope you connect with it—or at least laugh a bit.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Personal and honest. Stand up, a bit of storytelling and a bit of clowning.
I am not a political comedian, but I am dedicating a few minutes of my show to talk about the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of women under the Equality Act basing it on biological sex, meaning that trans women with gender recognition certificates do not meet the new legal definition.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
The Original Queer
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
I get excited months in advance. I lose sleep. It’s great!
I travel with my show and do as many Work-in-Progress as I can possibly do. I get feedback and I keep rewriting until I feel I am happy with it.
During the actual festival, it’s extremely important to find time to unwind. I do it by listening to music very loud and dancing to it (not real dance, it’s all about the movement).
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I live in Edinburgh, and for me, it’s become part of the Fringe ritual to hear the locals complain about it. To me, it feels a bit like Christmas — some people prepare for it months in advance, others leave it to the last minute, and some don’t get involved at all. Either way, you can always feel when the season is approaching.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
I am a fan of charity shops and food hubs - I used to volunteer for a couple of them and certainly understand the good they do for communities. I know there is no time for volunteering, but as the city is at capacity; nonprofit organisations see the similar income as the rest of the year. Whilst big chains and other establishments get to make even triple in comparison to the rest of the year.
Also, hikes/ walks within and outside the city. In Edinburgh there are several routes open to the public, for walks or cycling. Short paths or crossing the city from side to side type of paths. They offer nice nature views and vibes that are always a great escape from the central chaos. A pick me up, if you will.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
I think you should see a large number of artists. Start with my friends - and don’t expect “normal” stand up!
Phil O’Shea: Something About Dogs. 4th, 5th & 12th August at 19:25. The Stand 2. The Stand Comedy Club.
Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish). From 31st July to 24th August at 16:00. The Mash House (Just the Attic). Just the Tonic.
My bestie, me dearest friend Angela Legg who is very talented and is doing 8 shows:
Hexes and Exes- 2nd-16th (even dates) at 12:00. The Outside- Upstairs room. PBH’s Free Fringe.
My Mind is A Maze(ing)- 3rd to 17th (odd dates) at 12:00. The Outside- Upstairs room. PBH’s Free Fringe.
We Have to Think of a Really Good Show Name - 2nd-16th (even dates) at 15:30. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.
SCREWED- 2nd-16th (even dates) at 19:00. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.
A Real Live Scratch Night- 3rd to 17th (odd dates) at 19:00. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.
Legg’s Fishnet Of Talent - Numerous dates and venues for this one.
The Great Dane’s Kennel Club- Numerous dates and venues for this one.
I would also recommend the following people as I know they are talented. Kate Hammer, Kathleen Hughes, Amanda Hursy, Ruth Hunter, Adele Cliff, Gabriel Featherstone, Hooky Productions and Shelf (technically a kids show, but they’re stupidly funny).
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
For this you need to be reminded that I am from Colombia and from the countryside…
When I was 12 years old, I went to Bogotá and my brother took me to the theatre. That was my first time in a building as such. We went to see “Fuerza Bruta," a show and theatre company from Argentina. They specialise in physical theatre. An image I will never forget from that first time I saw them; is a man wearing a suit, running through obstacles and losing the suit in the process - even at that age, it felt powerful. I have seen Fuerza Bruta several times over the years and it helps me to be reminded of the first time I fell in love with the stage. I do not understand traditional theatre, and I find some of the “classic” plays to be utterly boring.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Whether they find it relatable or not; I hope to start a conversation. I am talking about a lot of different topics and creating a mess on stage. I can only hope they are able to remember a phrase, an image, a feeling… I want my show to be one of those shows that makes people want to talk about it over a drink with their friends after seeing it.
Where and when can people see your show?
Legends Bar -Club Room at 18:40. Just the Tonic.
31st July to 24th August (not 12th).
You can book tickets in advance or donate on the day (PWYC).
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