Mexican American comic Jilberto Soto returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with his show '¡Ay! Papi,' reflecting on fatherhood and personal experiences.
London, United Kingdom Jul 26, 2026 ALN: “As a gay person, the first man you ever love is your father,” quips Jilberto Soto.
A first-generation Mexican American comic, Mr. Soto is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe after a near-decade long hiatus, armed with generational trauma and the ability to laugh about it. This return to the stage is not just a personal milestone for Soto, but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of comedy, where themes of identity, family, and personal experiences are increasingly at the forefront.
“I'm writing my one-person show right now that I want to take to the Fringe called ¡Ay! Papi,” he tells The Herald. “And really all ¡Ay! Papi is about is fatherhood.” This focus on fatherhood is particularly poignant for Soto, as it encapsulates not only his personal experiences but also broader themes that resonate with many audiences. The complexities of father-son relationships, especially within the context of LGBTQ+ identities, are often fraught with tension, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a quest for acceptance.
“As time went by, I realised that the complex relationship I have with my father, it's not nicely tied in a bow.” Soto’s candid acknowledgment of the challenges he faced growing up in a bicultural household adds depth to his narrative. The intersection of Mexican heritage and American culture often creates a unique set of expectations and conflicts, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel caught between traditional values and their own identities.
Mr. Soto's new standup show is about fatherhood. (Image: Supplied)
“Fatherhood has been really something that has stuck with me. And then as I married somebody who's older than me, we've had a lot of conversations about how he's taking the place of some of the pieces my father left behind.” This statement reflects a common theme in Soto's work: the search for paternal figures and the ways in which relationships can evolve over time. The dynamics of his marriage, especially with an older partner, introduce another layer to his exploration of fatherhood, suggesting that the roles we assign to parental figures can be fluid and multifaceted.
Mr. Soto goes on to speak about his wedding, which features heavily in the stand-up hour. “My dad wasn't super welcoming to [husband Bob]. Why would he be? Like, he just found out his son is a bottom,” the comedian quips. This humor serves as a coping mechanism, allowing Soto to address the discomfort and pain of familial rejection in a way that is both relatable and entertaining. The use of humor to discuss sensitive topics is a hallmark of effective comedy, and Soto seems adept at balancing the line between laughter and vulnerability.
“I accommodated my dad a lot for the wedding. And then the day before, I found out he wasn't coming. And that was like a really big gut punch to me in the moment.” Here, Soto reveals the emotional weight of his father’s absence on a significant day, illustrating the profound impact that parental relationships can have on personal milestones. “When that happened, I realised that a relationship is very fluid. There's no happy ending. It's very up and down. And you have the decision to stay in it or not in it.” This reflection indicates a mature understanding of relationships, emphasizing that they require effort, communication, and sometimes, acceptance of imperfection.
He goes on to describe his new show. “Stand-up is ingrained in my nature, like trying to make it funny, trying to create tension and then release the tension,” Mr. Soto says. This insight into his creative process highlights the technical aspects of comedy, where timing, pacing, and emotional resonance all play critical roles. “I will say this show is also part storytelling as well, which is something that I want to practise and get better at, because I think it helps in general with a comedy set. And so it is like an overall story. It has an arc to it, but I definitely want people to be laughing. And so far they are.” The blend of storytelling and humor is a powerful approach, allowing audiences to connect with Soto's experiences on a deeper level while still enjoying the comedic aspects of his performance.
“I'm Mexican by heritage,” he adds. “That's my background, right? And so a lot of my references are based on growing up as a Mexican person.” Cultural identity plays a significant role in Soto's comedy, providing a rich tapestry of experiences to draw from. The intersection of his Mexican heritage with his experiences as a gay man creates a unique perspective that can resonate with diverse audiences. The ability to weave cultural references into his narrative not only enriches his performance but also invites audiences to reflect on their own identities and experiences.
The Fringe is set to kick off in two weeks. (Image: Ken Jack)
“Second, the more I run the show, the more I realise that the relationship with a father, whether you're gay or straight, guy or girl, is actually kind of a universal feeling of loving your father, understanding the importance of a father presence in your life and understanding when the father is missing, how big of an impact that has.” This universality is crucial in comedy, as it allows for broader connections with the audience. Soto’s realization that his experiences can resonate with others, regardless of their background, underscores the power of storytelling in bridging gaps between different identities.
“And so really, my first thought was are people going to be able to relate to it? And I do think they will. As soon as I [addressed] that fear, then I'm like, okay, now I can be funny.” This moment of self-awareness is vital for any performer, as it demonstrates an understanding of audience dynamics and the importance of relatability in comedy.
The show’s themes also touch on masculinity and how it influences expressions of fatherhood. This exploration of masculinity is particularly relevant in contemporary discussions surrounding gender roles and expectations. Soto has previously addressed similar themes in his 2018 Fringe show Butterfly, where he tackled societal norms and the pressures associated with masculinity.
He says: “I read a tweet one day about how this face painter went to a children's birthday party and a little boy came up and he wanted a blue butterfly face painting. And his parents would not let him get that because that wasn't for boys. And so he got a skull and crossbones instead.” This anecdote highlights the rigid expectations often placed on young boys regarding their interests and expressions of identity. It reflects a societal tendency to impose traditional notions of masculinity, which can stifle creativity and self-expression.
Mr. Soto grew up in Washington state and lives in New York City. (Image: Supplied)
“And that just really resonated with me in the sense of us being so afraid of what masculinity means in this situation. And so I created, I bought little blue butterflies and I put them all over the room. And at the end, I would ask to take one.” This creative response not only serves as a commentary on masculinity but also acts as a form of empowerment, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves, regardless of societal expectations. “I swear to you, when I announced [¡Ay! Papi], I had two people reach out to me who attended Butterfly years ago, and they told me they still have their butterflies.” This connection to past performances illustrates the lasting impact of Soto's work and the importance of creating a dialogue around these issues within the comedy sphere.
Mr. Soto is a big fan of Scotland’s capital, having visited during the Fringe as well as other parts of the year. “I tell people, Edinburgh is different. It's a different city in August versus the rest of the year. When you don't go in August, it's so nice and peaceful and tranquil. And then when you do go in August, there’s electricity in the air.” This observation about Edinburgh captures the essence of the Fringe Festival, a time when the city transforms into a vibrant hub for artists and audiences alike. The juxtaposition of tranquility and excitement encapsulates the unique atmosphere that the festival brings, making it a special time for performers like Soto.
“I don't know [how to describe it], but you're on 100 all the time. And as a performer, it's the most exhausting thing ever, but in the best way.” This sentiment reflects the intensity of performing at the Fringe, where the energy of the audience and the sheer volume of shows create a unique environment that can be both thrilling and draining. The camaraderie among performers during this time can also lead to meaningful connections and collaborations.
Asked if there is anything he wants to do in Edinburgh next month, other than the Fringe, Mr. Soto says he would like to climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, a challenge that may not be possible due to the recent wildfires on the hill. This desire to engage with the natural beauty of Scotland speaks to Soto's appreciation for the culture and environment of the city, suggesting that his experiences extend beyond the stage.
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In any case, Mr. Soto says he is looking forward to “drinking beer until like two in the morning” with his fellow comedians. “That's where the bonding happens. That's where the fun happens,” he notes. This emphasis on community highlights the importance of connection among artists, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their craft together. “Like I really want to get to that space of community here to be able to not only support other people's shows, but have them support mine as well.” This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit that often permeates the Fringe, where artists from diverse backgrounds come together to share their work and support one another.
Jilberto Soto’s ¡Ay! Papi will run from August 20 to August 20, 2026; at Just The Tonic at The Caves. Tickets can be purchased on the Fringe’s website. As Soto prepares to share his story and experiences with audiences, he not only invites laughter but also encourages reflection on the complexities of fatherhood, identity, and the bonds that shape our lives.
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