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 Aidan Jones about his show Chopin's Nocturne.
What can you tell me about your show?
It's classical piano, presented with jokes by an Australian dickhead with a beard. Basically I use comedy to explain my favourite classical piano piece to people who have no previous experience or interest in classical music.
It's classical piano, presented with jokes by an Australian dickhead with a beard. Basically I use comedy to explain my favourite classical piano piece to people who have no previous experience or interest in classical music.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
My good friend Alex Farrow I think perfectly summed up my comedy when he called me a classy scumbag. I love classical piano and really get into the theory and history of the music, but I'm also a pretty typical Aussie in that I swear a lot and make dick jokes. I guess the contrast between these two sides of my personality is surprising, but honestly it makes sense to me hahaha
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I'm 2023 I'd been doing stand-up for over ten years and still never managed to make it my full-time job, and I'm a moment of desperation my friend asked me what I wanted to do with stand-up. The only thing I could think of was I wanted to figure out a way to get on stage and play piano for people, and three years later here we are!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
In the desperately fearful and chaotic times in which we live, I think one of the greatest things any of us can do for ourselves and the people around us is to find the time to do things that bring us genuine joy and connect us to the people around us. That's what my show is about.
In the desperately fearful and chaotic times in which we live, I think one of the greatest things any of us can do for ourselves and the people around us is to find the time to do things that bring us genuine joy and connect us to the people around us. That's what my show is about.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Try not to accept too many showcase spots, make sure I see plenty of other shows, find time to hang out with friends and of course play some piano.
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 single piano key with a picture of my face on it.
A single piano key with a picture of my face on it.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Not sure if this fits in a kit but a bicycle. The Cyclopath programme run by Dion Owen started a few years ago and I've used it every single year, Dion's bikes have changed my fringe experience and I implore anyone who listens to sign up and support the programme.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I emerge from the ashes of the festival drenched in the blood of my enemies and crowned as the supreme overlord of all comedy
I emerge from the ashes of the festival drenched in the blood of my enemies and crowned as the supreme overlord of all comedy
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Evaldas Karosas is going to win best newcomer. I can't remember what his show is called, but I tell you right now that he is. Also Tom Ballard is over from Australia and he rules.
Evaldas Karosas is going to win best newcomer. I can't remember what his show is called, but I tell you right now that he is. Also Tom Ballard is over from Australia and he rules.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I'd tell you my favourite cafe but it's already full every day and I don't want to fight anyone else over tables so you can suck one.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Yes, I absolutely can! It's
Yes, I absolutely can! It's
Aidan Jones: Chopin's Nocturne runs at Assembly George Square Studios from 5th - 31st August. For tickets visit https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/aidan-jones-chopins-nocturne
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