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2017 EVENT SEARCH

How far would you go to fit in?
What happens when you deny the very thing that defines you?

In this deeply personal show, Rik Carranza revisits a past that forced him to choose between embracing his passions or bowing to the expectations of others.

A story about love, life, death and Star Trek.

News and Reviews for this Show

August 21, 2017  Voice With the best storytelling style I've seen this year, Carranza draws audiences in deep with a tale about his sci-fi and the agony of trying to fit in. Rik Carranza: I'm A Fan I'm A Fan felt like a show of two parts – the beginning was that of a joke heavy, conventional stand-up. It only lasted around 15 minutes and was a marked distance from the second part because the gags weren't compelling or energetic. On the back of this, my expectation of a lukewarm hour was firm. The jokes had medium value and Star Trek references too vague for myself. The lack of energy might have been a good choice, on reflection, because the story he delves into for the remainder of the show couldn't have been told with more energy or any differently than it was. The Star Trek references were also worrisome because there were a fair few but, while Star Trek is a heavy, heavy topic throughout, it's not a show solely for the fandom. Far from it. However, it will suit those of us with fanatic personalities. The story is chronological, beginning with Carranza's discovery of his beloved Star Trek before delving into the ostracised geek's life. While dipping in and out of his relationship with his parents, he expresses how his pride in Star Trek began to diminish when he learnt to replace it with another, more accepted addiction. He also addressed his romantic relationships twice. Once quite early on: it was a conventional tidbit, which didn't sit very well in amongst a deeply niche routine of storytelling, but we learn, when he picks it up again as denouement, that it means everything to the tale. In the pursuit of fitting in, Carranza let go of the thing which brought him the greatest happiness because it caused him grief, and that resonates with an avowedly geeky audience. So many stories about bullies and exclusion end with relinquishing and changing personalities, so to hear Carranza found a way to return to it and regain his geekery is uniquely valuable. With liberal outlooks at festivals have come shows that reject divisive politics. Such a personal show gives Carranza a moving, niche approach at doing so in a novel way. Click Here

August 20, 2017  Fringe Biscuit Superb storyteller @rcarranza recounts a lifetime of depression & science fiction abuse w/ wonderfully wry wit. 4/5 Click Here

August 14, 2017  On The Mic Rik is a very funny and charismatic performer. He's unleashed the truth in his life story, holding nothing back. One of the best narrative driven shows you'll see this Fringe. Click Here

August 14, 2017 Broadway Baby #EdFringe17: Rik Carranza is a Fan Rik tells the story of love, life, death and being a geek. Enjoy 15 minutes of stand up and chat with the comedian who feels that he doesn’t fit in. Where is he from? Who is his favourite Star Trek Character? How has he got a girlfriend? Click Here

August 14, 2017 Broadway World EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Rik Carranza Tell us a bit about yourself? I am a Scottish/Filipino comedian based in Birmingham. As well as being a stand up comedian, I'm the host and creator of the comedy debate panel show, Star Trek vs Star Wars, a host at sci fi conventions, and lover of all things geek! Except Twilight. No one likes Twilight. Why bring it to Edinburgh? It's my home city. So basically I get to do 2 shows a day on home soil. See some friends and family. Plus I get to go to Wings again. I like chicken wings and I like beer. Wings has both of these things. What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe? I love hosting Star Trek vs Star Wars. What's more enjoyable than watching 2 geeky comics try and argue which is the better franchise. Last year we had fans of both and neither, all enjoy themselves and this year the stakes have been raised with new questions and new rounds. I'm a Fan is a lot more personal. It's a story for anyone who has changed themselves to fit in and whether or not it is worth it. Should you embrace who you are or should you bow to peer pressure. It's a story about love, life, death and Star Trek. Who would you recommend comes to see you? Star Trek vs Star Wars: Definitely the hundreds who saw the show last year! Anyone who's a fan of Star Trek, Star Wars or anything in between. Even fans of neither would as it's just a really fun show. The show has also had endorsements from Rony Bridges (an admiral from The Force Awakens), and Katie Purves (mother Ewok from Return of the Jedi). I'm a Fan: Anyone who's ever been a fan of anything. Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival? I hope to see Bec Hill, Abigoliah Schamaun and Juliette Burton. I also want to see every show at my venue (Heroes@Monkey Barrel). It's such a great line up in there but if I had to pick one, it would have to be Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead. Timings and ticket information for I'm A Fan and Star Trek vs Star Wars are available on the edfringe website. Click Here

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