Freddie Meredith is an actor, writer, and comedian with an extensive list of credits, including Big Boys, Andor, and The Crown. In 2024 he received a nomination for Best Male Comedy Performance for Such Brave Girls at the Royal Television Society Awards. He has also worked in theatre, and performs stand-up at the Moth comedy club in Hackney. August sees Freddie bring his debut character comedy show, ‘Need a Light?’ to the Fringe. We spoke to Freddie about the show, creating a memorable character, and his hopes for the month. 

Can you tell us about ‘Need a Light’?

‘Need a Light’ is a character comedy set in a nightclub but mainly in the smoking area. It’s just a really fun night out with a very odd bloke. The sort of bloke who, when you’d wake up the following day, would message your mates about, saying, ‘Do you remember that guy in the smoking area?!’

For those who might be unfamiliar with you, how would you describe your comedy and your approach to performance?

I’m interested in characters who are trying very hard. People who are performing a version of themselves, often without realising it. I love behaviour more than punchlines, and I’m fascinated by the distance between who people think they are and how they’re actually coming across. The aim is always to make people laugh first and hopefully recognise someone they know, or themselves, somewhere along the way.

Your unnamed character seems to fit into the grand British tradition of the oblivious monster with a strong element of pathos, such as Partridge, Hyacinth Bucket, Amanda in Motherland. What were your inspirations for the character?

I’ve always been more interested in the person just outside the spotlight: not the loudest person in the room, but the one trying just as hard in the background. It isn’t based on one person, he’s an accumulation of behaviours I’ve noticed on nights out, online and in myself. I wanted to give the microphone to someone who’s desperate to connect but hasn’t quite worked out how.

What are your hopes for the show? What would constitute a successful Fringe for you?

I’d love to come away feeling like I’ve made the show I wanted to make. The Fringe feels like a brilliant place to test something every day, learn from different audiences and see how far you can push an idea. If people leave having had a really good time and thinking about it a tiny bit a day or two later, I’d be delighted.

What are you looking forward to, or perhaps dreading, about the Fringe?

I’m looking forward to the rhythm of it all, doing the show every day, seeing loads of other work and just being surrounded by people making things. I’m dreading the amount of beer I’m going to have to drink with mates.

Besides ‘Need a Light’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August; guest spots, compilation shows, etc?

Hopefully! I’m sure I’ll end up doing a few guest spots and popping up here and there, but at the moment my main focus is ‘Need a Light?’. After that, I’m happy to see where the month takes me.

Are there any other shows/performers at the Fringe that you would recommend?

Ele McKenzie‘s show will be great. We are both debuting shows and I can’t wait to see hers. And, of course, Rory Marshall‘s follow-up to his great show last year. We collaborate on many important viral videos about paedophile hunters and other pressing topics.

‘Need a Light?’ is at Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard from Wed 5 to Sun 30 Aug 2026