Comedian, writer and actor Liz Coin is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with the heartfelt comedy piece ‘Lizzy Sunshine’, which centres on the loved ones impacted by addiction. Following a successful 10-day “exploratory” run last year at Gilded Balloon, where the creative received multiple 4 and 5-star reviews, Liz is going to be performing for the full festival this year and in the Spring I had the opportunity to interview the artist. After a Q&A with Liz last year, I found it fascinating to learn that she actually perceived the show as a “work-in-progress” in 2025 – despite the incredible reviews. ‘Lizzy Sunshine’ is back for 2026 with changes and the performer can’t wait for audiences to see the new version this Summer.
Healing through art
For those unfamiliar, ‘Lizzy Sunshine’ is Liz’s personal story, told through the eyes of a younger version of herself, and covers what it was like growing up with a brother that struggled with addiction. Liz says, “this show to me is like a really fun way to heal a younger version of me that was experiencing this actively and couldn’t separate it”. Her younger self “was always putting on this facade and she could never be sad”. It was wonderful to hear that Liz’s brother is fortunately now in recovery, has seen the script and actually mentioned that “you could have roasted me more”.
Subject matter and genre
Liz describes the piece as a comedy play or farce and explains that “the scene of comedians that I run in aren’t necessarily stand up, but kind of span that actor, comedian, clown world”. We discussed how ‘Lizzy Sunshine’ doesn’t fit the mould of a typical stand up or theatre piece, but this year the show sits in the comedy genre. The performer says “my favourite part about it [being in the comedy category] is that people come expecting a comedy show […] so when they get that nugget of truth and it’s a little sad, they didn’t see it coming”. Liz explains to me that she believes the element of surprise leaves audiences “more open to feeling [the associated emotions]”.
Reflecting on last year
Liz’s friend and mentor Tim Murray stressed the importance of having a goal going into the festival and last year Liz had a couple, “I want to get better at my show, I want to let the show grow and I want to get at least 3 reviews”. She surpassed these and even managed to secure a London run this May at the Drayton Arms Theatre. This year she also had some performances in Chicago and at SoHo Playhouse in New York and after these runs either side of the Atlantic, Liz says “Fringe is going be my victory lap run”.
Looking to 2026
Liz says that “last Fringe gave me so much confidence doing my show” and that “something I learned is to really let it breathe and be even more malleable”. In terms of changes for 2026, the script has been updated and Liz describes the new version as “much more cohesive”. The brother character has also been renamed to Jamie (not her brother’s name), which Liz says is a “degree of separation” for her, given the personal subject matter.
Liz’s goal for 2026 is to secure professional and industry visibility. She says “I want a manager. I want people to help me continue doing either this show or whatever my next show is”. In terms of excitement for this year’s festival, Liz is looking forward to being “surrounded by artists all day everyday” and she jokes, “I can’t wait for the second week when I’m exhausted and I’m like sitting on The Meadows, dissociating in the grass”.
Catch Lizzy Sunshine at EdFringe
It is amazing how goals-focused Liz is, you can really tell how much she wants to grow as a performer and artist. It was also brilliant to have the opportunity to hear more about the underlying story behind ‘Lizzy Sunshine’ and also find out how the piece has evolved. The show is in the Coorie performance space at Gilded Balloon Patter House (venue 24) from 5th – 31st August (not 12th, 18th and 24th). Performances start at 14:20 (1 hour), with the show on sale via the EdFringe website now.
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