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 Chelsea Birkby about her show Is In Full Control The Entire Time.
What can you tell me about your show?
Imagine a macho, high-status, 90s-style guru giving a life-changing seminar on how you can master every area of your life, but delivered by a stand-up comedian who's regularly told they “couldn’t say boo to a goose”.
Imagine a macho, high-status, 90s-style guru giving a life-changing seminar on how you can master every area of your life, but delivered by a stand-up comedian who's regularly told they “couldn’t say boo to a goose”.
I've crunched real audience data, read the masters of power (from Sun Tzu to Machiavelli), and now I'm giving you the strategies to dominate your destiny. All delivered with PowerPoint with slides so unhinged I have to hide my screen when working on it in public.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Expect my regular mix of philosophy, pop culture and personal revelations with the usual silliness, then add seeing me as you never have before: in full control (with a a suit and let loose with a clicker).
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I was back in my room at my parents’ house. They’ll tell you it’s not “my room” as I haven’t lived there for a decade. I was visiting because I wasn’t doing so well - a bunch of my hair fell out from stress, which didn’t actually help with the stress. On the bookshelf, alongside some of my old books (Beginner ethics and the Angus, Thongs series), was my Mum’s collection of Tony Robbin’s self-help books and cassettes.
I remembered her being obsessed with them when I was little. She even bought a mini trampoline like he used and boinged on it each morning. This discovery set the scene for not just the vibe of the show, but how to handle my predicament.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We’re all victim to optimisation culture right now. Wearable fitness trackers and protein goals and side hustles. In this show, I’m playing with what it actually is to “master your life”. How do we get what we want and not make ourselves ill in the process? So it’s that, but silly. Is that coming across? It’s very silly.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Mentally: I’ve got my Tony Robbins audiotapes and my mini trampoline. I’m bouncing. Physically: I’m trying to get shredded. Do you reckon three weeks is enough? Also, I just ate a whole tub of Ben and Jerry’s.
Mentally: I’ve got my Tony Robbins audiotapes and my mini trampoline. I’m bouncing. Physically: I’m trying to get shredded. Do you reckon three weeks is enough? Also, I just ate a whole tub of Ben and Jerry’s.
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?
I actually do have business cards this year. If that’s not ridiculous enough I’d stay in that 90s corporate word and hand out branded mouse mats.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Comfortable shoes, come rain or shine! It’s a long month if you’ve got blisters.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
A full heart and coming home knowing I treated people well and stayed true to myself. And, of course, I’d also absolutely love it if people loved the show and packed it out and showered me in praise and told me I rocked and I’m brilliant and unique and clever and cool and ripped and wise and everything goes perfectly from the second I see Arthur’s seat til when I get home. But that’s not in my control, so I’ll focus on the first bit.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Yes! Matt Hobs 100% badgers returns from it’s sold-out 2025 run and sold-out UK tour. And he’s adding a 45 min follow-up: 100% Badgers 2: Badgers vs Hedgehogs! Years ago, we did a short fringe run in a venue basically out of town with an average audience of about 6. Seeing him crushing it now with such a special show is amazing.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people visit when they're not watching performances?
Portobello Beach. Have a vacay from the Fringe for a few hours - not a Fringe poster in sight! Man, Edinburgh really is the best isn’t it.
Portobello Beach. Have a vacay from the Fringe for a few hours - not a Fringe poster in sight! Man, Edinburgh really is the best isn’t it.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Silly. Powerpoint. Cerebral. Dastardly. Horny.
What keeps you inspired?
Watching comedy inspires me. I’m constantly delighted with how many different ways people can make you laugh. Like, even after thousands of shows, year after year, there’s still so much original comedy and so many fresh ideas. That’s reassuring cause it’s like good ideas aren’t running out any time soon. And as long as I’m paying attention, my best idea is on it’s way to me.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Well, my foolproof strategies for success, of course. Everyone who has seen the show together now have everything they need to be architects of their own fortune.
When and where can people see the show?
You have two more chances before the fringe: in London (Stratford) in a double bill with the hilarious Ruby Carr, or in Bristol with my very funny friend Matt Hobs. If you’re at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I’m on every night (NO DAYS OFF!) 3-30 August and I’d love to see you there. Say hi! (After).
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