I’ve met some incredible people, performed loads, laughed loads, and yes… I’ve already been accused of being drunk several times, by everyone from bouncers to members of the public! 😂

But that’s okay. That’s part of why I do what I do — make people laugh while educating people about disability at the same time.

To all the comedians and performers who are already in Edinburgh, or are arriving soon: well done. Seriously. Getting through that first week is an achievement in itself. We’re nearly two weeks in, the reviews are starting to come through, audiences are finding the shows, and somehow we’re all still standing!

And I’m absolutely buzzing that Slugageddon has received a FIVE-STAR review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A massive thank you to the whole Blue Badge Bunch team for helping make that happen. This show wouldn’t exist without everyone putting their time, creativity and energy into my mad ideas.

I’ve also got to say a massive thank you to Mark McKean, everyone at Project Comedy and Gen Swap for always helping me navigate the madness of the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s been brilliant seeing everyone again.

I would absolutely love the opportunity to go and see more shows while I’m here. But this is another side of being disabled at the Fringe that people don’t always see.

Sometimes it takes nearly all my energy just to get through my own shows and then find somewhere comfortable to sit.

This year I actually brought camping chairs with me so I can sit comfortably and still be around everyone rather than having to disappear back to where I’m staying.

And I have to give a massive thank you to everyone at Bar 50 for understanding that.

They’ve seen us with our camping chairs and they’ve let us get on with it. That’s what accessibility can sometimes be — not loads of complicated rules, just listening to somebody and making a simple adjustment that allows them to stay and enjoy themselves.

And it works both ways.

We bring lots of people through the doors of Bar 50, and they give us somewhere we can feel comfortable and welcome.

It’s a partnership. They help us and we help them.

So thank you to all the girls and guys working at Bar 50. I know you’re working incredibly hard behind that bar every single day. Sometimes it must feel relentless, but just know that we’ve got your backs like you’ve got ours.

I was actually meant to have an early night tonight. I should probably be resting instead of writing this! But this felt more important.

I’m getting quite emotional writing it because at the beginning of this year I promised myself that 2026 was going to be the year I had fun.

And I have.

I’ve met new people, made new friends, laughed until I’ve hurt and enjoyed being Benny again.

But, like usual, I’ve also found myself helping other people — strangers, new comedians, new artists, anyone who looks like they might need somebody to check they’re okay.

And I’ve realised that’s just me.

Sometimes it’s giving someone advice. Sometimes it’s introducing them to somebody. Sometimes it’s just sitting down and asking, “Are you alright?”

Edinburgh can be absolutely amazing, but it can also be exhausting, lonely and overwhelming. Behind all the posters, reviews, packed rooms and social media posts are hundreds of performers working incredibly hard and sometimes wondering whether they’re good enough.

So look after each other.

Celebrate the five-star reviews, but also put your arm around the person who got a one-star review.

Go and watch somebody you’ve never heard of.

Talk to the new act sitting on their own.

And most importantly, have some bloody fun.

We’re at the Edinburgh Fringe. We made it here.

I’m having the time of my life, and we’re not even halfway through yet.

Let’s see what the rest of August brings. 💙♿🎭

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