Candace Bryan is an American comedian based in London. She was shortlisted for Chortle’s Hotshots (2025), she’s a Soho Theatre Comedy Plus Lab Alum (2024). She was shortlisted for Funny Women Best Comedian 2023, was a 2Northdown New Act Semi-Finalist 2022, is an undefeated, eight times winner at the Bill Murray’s Roast Battle UK, has been featured on the international Roast Battle podcast and has won gong shows across London.

Candace brings her debut Fringe hour ‘MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find)’ to Edinburgh in August. We spoke to her about the show, American audiences compared to UK crowds, and her hopes for the Fringe and beyond.

Can you tell us about ‘MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find)’?

‘MILF’ is my debut stand-up comedy hour about what happened last year when my birth mother followed me on Instagram after 30 years, my visa expired, I had to flee to Paris for four months, and I ended up in a long-distance situationship… all at the same time!

For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your comedy style and approach to performance?

I’d say my style is a mix of British and American comedy. I’m from the US and I have the classic fast-paced, punchline-dense American style. I also have somewhat of a British sensibility, though, in that my comedy is quite dry. It’s also very personal, and I am not afraid to share the intimate details of my misadventures. Anything for a laugh!

You were here a few years back with a WIP show, ‘Communist Dad’ How was that experience, and will that be a show you’ll be returning to?

Writing and performing ‘Communist Dad’ was so fun! It was my first time coming to Edinburgh and my first time working with a longer narrative, so I learned a lot. My actual Communist dad is coming to see my new show in Edinburgh this year, so I might whip out a few of the old jokes to roast him while he’s in the audience.

How does the NY comedy scene where you started compare to the UK circuit, and how do American audiences differ to crowds in the UK?

Funnily, I lived in New York for eight years, but only really did one random gig there before starting my career in London! Since then I’ve performed a bit in New York, though, and I’ve done a couple of gigs in Los Angeles. I feel it’s much easier to start doing comedy in London. In New York, you often have to pay promoters money or buy a couple of drinks…just to get three minutes of stage time in front of an audience of other comedians!

On the other hand, though, American audiences are a lot less polite, so they’re less likely to throw you a pity laugh. Having to work harder for their approval can be a motivator, whereas the sometimes-too-nice London crowds can lead to creative stagnation.

‘MILF (Mon I’d Like to Find),’ is your debut stand-up Edinburgh show. What are your hopes and expectations for the month?

I’ve tried to make a show that reflects my humor, my politics, my outlook on life — and a show that if I saw, I would enjoy. So I hope people like it! At the same time, I’m looking ahead. After the festival, I’d love to take this show to some new cities and I’m already working on a new show for 2026. So I hope I get some learnings and connections that make all that possible!

Apart from ‘MILF (Mom I’d Like to Find)’, is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to (or dreading) about the Fringe?

I have some family coming to Edinburgh to see the show, which I am looking forward to (and dreading).

Beside your show, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?

Yes, I am taking part in various showcases, like Chortle’s ‘Fast Fringe‘, ‘Mad Cow Comedy‘, ‘Jew-O-Rama‘, and more. Plus, I’ll be opening for some comics I love, like Kelly Ford and Lizzie Simpson. I’m also excited to hop on some shows at the last minute, I love the non-stop energy of the month.

Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?

It was just announced that Dan Rath is bringing his new show ‘Tropical Depression‘ to Edinburgh. His 2023 show was the best I saw that year, and I am unbelievably psyched to see him again. He’s an absolute genius, do not miss it!

‘MILF – Mom I’d like To Find‘ is at Just the Tonic Nucleus – Sub-Atomic Room from Thu 31 Jul to Sun 24 Aug at 15:10