TikTok Stars Take Comedy from Feeds to Theatres at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Courtney Buchner, a rising star on TikTok, credits the platform for giving her the opportunity to hone her comedy skills without the pressure of a live audience. With the ability to delete videos if a joke falls flat, TikTok has provided a safe space for comedians like Courtney to experiment and build confidence.
Now, Courtney and other TikTok acts are taking their sets offline and performing at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Despite some skepticism about online performers transitioning to live theatre, Courtney is ready to prove herself to a live audience.
TikTok has recognized the trend of comedians moving from online platforms to theatres and has even become a sponsor of the festival. Courtney, who has amassed over a million likes on her TikTok videos, is excited to showcase her talent in front of a live audience.
Joining Courtney at the festival is Chris Hall, another TikTok sensation who has gained a following of almost 600,000. Chris, known for his hilarious sketches with his sister Elizabeth, has surprised his fans with his Fringe performances, opting for something different than his usual online content.
Abi Clarke, who started her career in stand-up comedy before gaining fame on TikTok, acknowledges the importance of being a social media presence in today’s entertainment industry. With nearly a million followers and over 27 million likes, Abi is navigating the transition from online comedy to live performances.
As these comedians take their comedy from feeds to theatres, they are facing the challenge of adapting their work for a live audience. While social media allows for niche content, live performances require a broader appeal to keep the audience engaged for an hour-long show.
Despite the challenges, these TikTok stars are excited to bring their comedy to the stage and experience the joy of hearing live laughter. As Abi puts it, “A laugh emoji is never gonna match up to that.”
With TikTok paving the way for a new generation of comedians, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is sure to be filled with fresh and exciting talent that has honed their craft both online and offline.
