In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Abby Govindan about their show Pushing 30.
What can you tell me about your show?
My show is about arranged marriage, breaking generational curses, and how big tech and the manosphere have ruined modern dating.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Multimedia storytelling.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Dating was already pretty hard but I noticed in the last few years it’s become completely unbearable as a young woman. I wanted to dissect why that is, and show people how it’s been purposely designed to be that way by tech companies and right-wing cultural figures.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
This year feels more hopeless than any previous year: we’re in a recession, the left is losing the culture war in a big way, and dating feels more hopeless than ever. A lot of women comedians talk about how hard dating is, but I wanted to take it one step further and talk about why that is.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I have a good fitness regimen and diet routine :)
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
A 30th birthday cake that bleeds when you cut it.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Greek yogurt! As a vegetarian I get so little protein as is, and i’ll need all the stamina i can get as i prepare to perform on stage every day for 30 days.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I’d love to sell out my run and get signed to UK agents
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| Photo by Kat Soriano. |
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Mr Thing, Sophie Duker, Olga Koch, Rohan Sharma, Stamptown, Courtney Buchner
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Mother India Cafe FOR SUREEEEE
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
A better world is possible
What keeps you inspired?
Seeing other comedians and performers on stage and realizing that as miserable and difficult as this line of work can be at times, we are all motivated by our love of the art. No one can take that away from us.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I write shows that I feel I need most at particular moments in my life. This show is a love letter to other unruly young women like myself. We are always sold the mantra “there's someone out there for everyone,” but men are uniquely conservative and unbearable at this particular moment in history. I’ve found a lot of peace in building a life where I am perfectly content being alone. I even plan to freeze my eggs this year so I can start a family on my own if I’m still unmarried by age 35! If someone who is so perfect and ideal for me fights their way into my life between now and then, so be it. But I would rather plan to be alone than be convinced to settle for someone who can’t fully show up for my future kids and me because society tells us there’s nothing worse than a spinster. I’m actually kind of looking forward to being a hot IVF single mom, I really feel like that’s my destiny.
When and where can people see the show?
Pleasance Baby Grand 9:35 pm
Tickets are available from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/abby-govindan-pushing-30
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