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 Mark Ryder - from Smash Egg Productions, on his show No Hard Felix.
What can you tell me about your show?
The show's about a manosphere toxic finance bro who cannot get it up! Felix goes on a quest to fix himself but it's going to be a rude awakening coming face to face with his vulnerability and softness.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It's silly, big, playful and I hope touching. It's a one (alpha) man show. Me onstage for an hour clowning in a suit that’s a bit too tight. A reviewer described it as ‘Jonny Bravo meets Michael Scott’ I think that’s fairly accurate.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
There's this performance of masculinity where you can go so hyper-hyper masculine that it actually ends up being a bit feminine. It's ludicrous; body-builders posing in their underwear, matadors with their chests puffed out, Zoolander blue steel… I fancied playing with that idea. I just know too many Felix’s so I felt I had to play one.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Louis Theroux's Manosphere doc is floating in the air. The TV show Adolescence. Andrew Tate. Looksmaxxing. This is a weird and dangerous time when it comes to men. We're tired of toxic men but the conversation is very much unfinished.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
My work-in-progress shows I tightened my pelvic floor muscles so much playing this character that I started to cramp so probably some relaxation exercises are required to get me through the run! I'm also a fringe first-timer so I know it's going to be a ride.
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?
Viagra.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My fiancee Amina. Shoutout to you girl xoxo love u 5evaaa
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If I can get even just a couple of people (particularly dudes) to soften a little, to question their relationship to masculinity and be kinder to others and themselves then that is a huge win. If not that, then just getting people laughing.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
THE PITCH at the Pleasance Courtyard. Set in my hometown Belfast. Great show.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Sandy Bell's pub when they get some traditional music going.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
ALPHA. MAN. NEEDS. THERAPY. STAT.
What keeps you inspired?
There's a short film called 'Ten Metre Tower' about people trying to jump off a 10m diving board. It makes me cry every single time. I'm inspired by people overcoming their fears and going past what they thought they were capable of.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope you'll laugh, and be moved, and have a think about how we can change the hearts of men.
When and where can people see the show?
13.20. Just the Tonic @ The Caves. Out The Box. 6-17 August.
Also give @nohardfelix a follow on Instagram you won't be disappointed. It's Felix's own personal Instagram account. He went viral.
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