How Can I Help You
Theatre (solo show, storytelling)
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Venue 33Pleasance Courtyard - Bunker Three
- 15:20
- Aug 26
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Callum Patrick Hughes in association with Fake Escape
- Warnings and additional info: This show contains strong language, reference to drugs, alcohol and addiction and reference to suicidal ideation
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
Being of service can be a wonderful thing. But can saying yes to everyone be a toxic trait? Told through tales of years working in the service industry, from call centres to cafes, How Can I Help You is a musical ode to Callum's 33 years as a chronic people pleaser, an exploration of the power of no and a look at how scary it can be to set boundaries, for yourself and for those you love. Callum Patrick Hughes returns to The Pleasance after his critically acclaimed 2023 Edinburgh Fringe debut Thirst.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Via a driveway from the main road. Performance space is on Ground Floor with no steps.
- Stairs: Information not supplied
Wheelchair access type: Level Access
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Paul Bryan 12 days ago
This excellent show held the full attention of the audience as this very talented actor/ musician kept us spellbound through the progression of his life . It was funny , poignant and beautifully crafted . I do hope to see him back at the Pleasance next year as he is exactly the kind of performer this wonderful venue needs .
Marie 18 days ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Part acoustic guitar gig, part story telling at a pub energy told by an actor with excellent diction and part heart warming relatable totally fringe vibe show that reminds me to check out an Al Anon family group meeting! Funny! Relatable! Inspiring! Love the musical through line. I wonder if any somatic and breathing work would help the adhd without medication - I’m on the same journey!
Andrew Melrose 19 days ago
After missing out on Thirst last year, I knew I had to see this and it did not disappoint. Callum Patrick really knows how to draw you into a story that not only filled with music, humor but is well personal. Worth seeing and not just I'm a people pleaser.
Kieran 20 days ago
Brilliant show. I would definitely recommend this to anyone coming to Edinburgh. The storytelling was witty and moving. The music throughout brings the stories to life, and you really feel the witty and uplifting moments as well as the moments of true struggle. A very talented individual who you should go see! I will be looking out for future shows!
Rod Nisbet 20 days ago
So good I've seen it twice
This is not a stand up show, this is not a comedy performance..
This is life performance
This is emotional
This is funny
This is story telling at its absolute best
Callum is engaging from the moment the show starts and holds you captivated until the end
He reminds me of Sam Lloyd (aka ted from Scrubs) a wonderful storyteller, talented musician and a wonderfully joyous singing voice
If you are going to see any show this year,, it has to be this one and only 7 shows left to go and see it.. so why are you still reading this review.. go book his show and love, laugh live his story with him
Dana Blackstone 20 days ago
Callum is an excellent storyteller who engage his audience using a variety of mediums and a tightly constructed narrative. This show has the potential for healing. If you're neurodiverse or have experience with addiction of any kind: this is a must see. Go.
Jo Howcroft 23 days ago
A beautifully written and performed story, with incredible musicianship to weave the story together. An unbelievable emotional ride where Callum is not afraid to be open and vulnerable, all while being totally engaging, witty and humorous. There is space to breathe, emotionally, in this.
While the show may simply be entertaining for some, it can also serve as a gateway for others to see their own loved ones from their own set of challenging perspectives, and that can only be a positive thing.
Lizzie 23 days ago
I hadn’t heard of Callum before, but after a browse through the fringe website this show seemed right up my alley - and up my alley it was. Callum’s story-telling is funny, open, and moving. The little snippets of music and singing throughout the show make the stories come to life. Within just one hour, i had some good laughs, felt seen, and even got a bit teary. Not many shows will do that to you.
Callum asked me what my favourite fringe show has been so far, naturally i said “mythos ragnarok”. Now when people ask i say “how can i help you”. (You can watch both, they’re not at conflicting timings x)
Matt Foley 25 days ago
Absolutely wonderful hour with a truly fabulous story teller. Callum is as entertaining as he is engaging.
I thought Thirst would take some beating, but Callum has achieved that and some.
His honesty and his wonderful delivery are reasons enough to go watch him, but its’s Callum’s beautiful artistry that makes you want to return and watch him time and time again.
If you want to invest in yourself and treat yourself to a wonderful hour of entertainment, buy a ticket to see Callum.
If Thirst was a 5 star performance, this is at least a 7 star show!
Pete 27 days ago
Seamless autobiographical stories of the actor’s struggle for stability, in his love ‘em and leave ‘em, lo-fi lifestyle, accompanied by gentle guitar arpeggios, intercut with plaintive songs: captivating!
Callum Patrick Hughes is an excellent storyteller, an engaging host, a powerful speaker and a courageous spiller of guts. His tales of love and loss work like a rom com weepy for guys who should know better, but won’t grow up.
An artists search for consistency has something of the oxymoron about it, add that to the character’s refusal to take responsibly, for better and for worse, I found my sympathies wane for Young Werther, the dungaree wearing boy/man hero.
But though the themes may be mawkish at times, and the, “Give my bad behaviour a diagnosis then it’s not my fault,” trope, (v popular this year) may appeal more to a younger audience, the power and commitment of the performance cannot be denied.
The character tells us repeatedly how much he wants to receive the love, but says little of what he does to love others, other than the by-products of his own artistic goals. Still, there’s much to love here.
It would be wonderful to see this talented performer take on a truly heroic/tragic role, to drop the self-laceration and to put his passions into something epic. Though I did find the belief system on display unsympathetic, as I was chatting with a producer today, who was in search of an act, the first name that popped into my head was, Callum Patrick Hughes.
Belle Quinlan 29 days ago
Callum has done it again (after his hit show last year Thirst) with another really wonderful and heartfelt hour of storytelling about his own therapeutic journey. Lovely original songs, captivating performance. You’ll laugh and possibly shed a tear. A must see!
Rich W 31 days ago
Incredible and beautiful piece of storytelling! This show is heart-wrenchingly relatable, you will laugh and most likely shed a tear. Callum’s extraordinary ability to stir up nostalgia and inspire hope is one-of-a-kind. If like
me you’ve desperately tried to make everyone around you happy in an attempt to make yourself happy - and inevitably not succeeded! - go see this show.
Mike Parsons 31 days ago
Compelling storytelling. Very fast paced and intense. Very real in places. Perhaps needed slowing down or more audience interaction to break it up. That said amazing story.
Rob Alderson 35 days ago
Incredibly compelling - a story that starts out as one thing and then goes in so many different directions. Loved it
Mike 35 days ago
Funny, poignant and engaging, a fabulous show
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Fringesider 17 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.