Mitch Benn is a radio host and comedian premiering TWO shows at Colchester Fringe: Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle & Asking Elvis. Fringe review’s resident interviewer Dr.Pants asks Benn about his upcoming shows.
NAP: “Thank you, thank you very much” for talking with me today about BOTH of your shows coming up at Colchester Fringe! Let’s start with the first show: why are you the 37th Beatle? What’s the pitch?
MB: So many people have been described as ‘The fifth Beatle’, but mathematically that can’t be correct, so I worked it out and I’m number 37. This show was premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013 and has toured the UK, receiving critical acclaim. I resurrected it in 2025, and it is touring the country again. It’s a show about my Scouse background and looks at the legacy of the Beatles.
NAP: So this show is not your first time on the fringe circuit! How long have you been doing Fringe shows?
MB: First Fringe show was in 1989… I’ve done 30 different shows (most of them solo) and will be looking at my 40th anniversary in 2029.
NAP: What has been the biggest challenge in returning with this work after all this time?
MB: Remembering all the songs and updating the content from 13 years ago.
NAP: Aren’t you that bloke that did all the songs on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show for 17 years?
MB: Yes.
NAP: And your other show, Asking Elvis, is in part about those radio years. Correct?
MB: I was the most popular segment on the most popular national radio show for ten years and I wasn’t allowed to say it was me. Asking Elvis is about being the Stig of Radio 2 and/or the Banksy of comedy: I was the voice of ‘Elvis’ for Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2 for ten years.
NAP: So I assume you’re very good at impressions? Can you do any others besides Elvis?
MB: I can do many impressions, but not to professional standards: you can tell who they’re supposed to be. That said, I can do Rik Mayall characters to a high standard, and I originated a really good Liam Neeson impression, which is useful when phoning up to find out when the washing machine repair man is late.
NAP: Now, what if I’m hesitant to see your show. How would you convince me to come?
MB: Do you like the Beatles and hate Simon Cowell? Yes: come and see the show. Do you remember the Ask Elvis slot on Steve Wright in the Afternoon? Come along and have Elvis answer your questions live.
NAP: What are you hopeful audiences leave feeling?
MB: I want them to feel happier and going home to revisit their Beatles collection. I hope that they will remember Steve Wright fondly and that this show will reignite some good memories, whilst having some fun.
Both Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle & Asking Elvis are on at Colchester Fringe this October. Asking Elvis is on October 30th at 1900 & October 31st at 1730. Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle is on October 28th at 2030, October 29th at 1900, October 31st at 1430, and November 1st at 1500
