Edinburgh

Jayne Edwards: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Fox Dog Studios
Who? Jayne Edwards
What? Jayne Edwards Is Top Bodybuilder Brian
Where? Heroes @ Dragonfly – Room (Venue 414)
When? 22:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

Well, as it’s my first solo show, I’m really excited. I know nothing of the psyche crushing intensity of it all yet, so I’m feeling pretty great. I have a really great show so I am looking forward to get it out there. And obviously I’m self-flagellating about saving money right now.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My Edinburgh show is about an ex-top bodybuilder called Brian. Brian is based on guys from my home town of Rhyl, where he lives in a caravan and tries to crack the recipe to Lucozade in his spare time. The show is going back through his life to find out where it all went so right. Brian is essentially a satire, but at times physical and ridiculous. As well as stand up, the show is a bit of everything. Dance, song, animation, video. Many comedians warned me not to mix other mediums with stand-up. It releases evil spirits that can only be cleansed by an old school comedian telling you to write a joke, love. But I told them I wasn’t afraid. And now I’ve made a really fun show! And the evil spirits just add to the vibe!

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Putting the show together was overall pretty fun. I find writing for Brian natural and the idea of my very own show freeing. I wish I had a big dramatic story about finding a huge personal obstacle in making this show but I’m don’t. So I will just say “9/11”.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I used to see it as kind of closed off. I applied and didn’t get a venue despite being relatively established on the Northern circuit for years. I’ve always lived in the North and I felt left out. This got compounded because I’m naturally shy. I was a humble bumpkin. And, not to be crude, but the cost of Edinburgh is terrifying. Coming from a working class background, it’s hard to personally justify the expense and the time off my day job. It’s a personal fight to force myself to invest financially in my talent and years of hard work, in a way that isn’t just on needed train tickets or a new bald cap. Especially as a “weird act”, getting any sort of footing is hard if you don’t get your elbows out and start digging. But recently, I have had people reaching out and helping me organise stuff, giving me bigger opportunities and putting me in touch with people I didn’t know how to approach. And now? I’m a complete fucking monster. God, I can’t wait to get up there, put on a tiara and shove flyerers into puddles because they look at me the wrong way.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Foxdog Studios: Tomorrow’s Office – 17.00 – Heroes @ the Hive

Sean Morely: Soon I will be dead and my bones will be free to wreak havoc upon the earth once more – 15.20 – Heroes @ the Hive

The Delightful Sausage: Ginster’s Paradise – 12.00 – Monkey Barrel

Andy Barr: The Ruby – 20.15 – Heroes@ Black Medicine

Adam Larter: Good Morning Croissant – 19.20 – Heroes @ The Hive

Consignia – 11th-17th – 1.45am – Banshee Labyrinth

The Glang Show – 7th and 14th – 21.00 – Heroes @ The Hive.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Ideally I would like more comedy writing work. I like writing. I’ll do stand-up till I die but I sometimes feel old already so the idea of just writing and not drawing on myself and throwing my body about a stage is starting to become very appealing. And Edinburgh is a good chance to be seen by a wider range of people. I was one of those acts who became obsessed with becoming some kind of DIY punk cult comedian after getting one rejection email from a big name club. So broadening my group of loyal fans to three, possibly four people would be great!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘JAYNE EDWARDS IS TOP BODYBUILDER BRIAN’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Nick Elleray: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© James Deacon
Who? Nick Elleray
What? Big Nick Energy
Where? Laughing Horse @ The Counting House – The Attic (Venue 170)
When? 12:45

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I have a vague sense of optimism, which is a new flavour for me. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s the human condition to desire to be something we’re not and to desire to not be something we are. We pine for change but find ourselves incapable of it. For example, about five minutes into this show, I drop the c-bomb. It’s out-of-character for me and I should probably change it, but find myself incapable of doing so. So, yeah, it’s generally operating on that level of philosophical enquiry.

I also trash-talk the Rolling Stones for not releasing a decent album in nearly 40 years.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Wrestling with my own genius.

Just kidding! I didn’t wrestle with my genius, we just pushed each other in the chest for a while, playground-style. He won, unfortunately, so he’s at my place now, eating my biscuits. And fair play to him.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I’ve given up booze, so I now have much more fun onstage to make up for my miserable, temperate existence offstage. So I still look forward to the general fun-and-games of the festival, but I’m way more into the idea of making and performing a really good show.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’m sure your readership are already hip to these cats but here we go: I’ve loved every show The Delightful Sausage have done. They clash with me, so I’ll be seeing them on my day off. I recently saw sketch group Moon and they made me laugh constantly.

I saw a preview of Alasdair Beckett-King’s new show and it’s chock-full of great jokes and silliness.

Helen Duff and Pat Cahill are always doing exciting and funny stuff. Helen Bauer is doing her first full show and it will be a real cracker.

I’m also looking forward to seeing the new stuff from Heidi Regan, Micky Overman and the dead-eyed monster that is Sunil Patel.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Lounging on a sofa, eating a white chocolate Magnum, smiling as I think about how well-attended my 2019 Edinburgh show was.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR NICK ELLERAY: ‘BIG NICK ENERGY’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Darius Davies: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Steve Ullathorne
Who? Darius Davies
What? Persian of Interest
Where? Just The Tonic at The Tron (Venue 51)
When? 14:20

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I’m feeling a combination of nervousness and excitement. This is my first year not doing a show on the Free Fringe and having an earlier start time than usual. Also unlike most years I have previewed the show already – as opposed to writing it the night before!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My show touches on my heritage but really it deals with the way our lives are being more and more dictated by our online presence. I talk about the weaponisation of social media, the spread of fake news, and more importantly I demonstrate how easy it is to manipulate the news in 2019. I believe my show has a very important and FUNNY message.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Getting the narrative arc to flow properly – which I believe I have managed and ensuring that I have enough “jokes” so my show doesn’t turn into a boring Ted Talk. It’s a comedy show first, and hopefully it will have a take away message too.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

My attitude has changed so much as in previous years I was mainly bringing a show up for fun and to enjoy the festival. I still wanted to make money and do as well as I could, but perhaps I didn’t see the big picture of what Edinburgh could offer, in regards to opportunities and development as a performer.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes I do! You should come and see Hate N Live (JTT The Big Cave 10:30pm). This is a show I co-created and is now in it’s 6th year. It gets bigger and better every year. Audience write down things they hate, and the comedians have to hate on them. Simple.

UFC Unleashed for MMA fans with Justin Panks (4.30pm Free Sisters) will be great if you like combat sports, and of course I have to plug Leo Kearse Transgressive which knowing Leo will be amazingly funny.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

This time next year – I would like to be more established within the industry and frantically trying to write a show to follow up Persian of Interest’s litany of 5 star reviews! I’d also like to get Hate N Live onto television in some form or other.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DARIUS DAVIES: ‘PERSIAN OF INTEREST’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Nigel Ng: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Jiksaw
Who? Nigel Ng
What? Culture Shocked
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two (Venue 33)
When? 18:45

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

Nervous. Excited.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about my life in the UK as a Malaysian immigrant. And the tragic ways of how Westerners prepare rice.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Constantly battling the fears that what I do is not the kind of critically acclaimed, artsy, narrative, thematic comedy the Fringe loves. And having to be OK with that. I know it’s a funny show, and I need to be comfortable doing things my way.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I’ve always loved it! I love how the Fringe it showcases art from all genres (where else can you see a magic show, music, and standup all in the same university classroom?)

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Loyiso Gola! That guy is a monster on stage and super smart. Ivo Graham, Rosie Jones, Jake Lambert are all amazing! For non-comedy stuff: I love watching circus and acrobatic shows up there. I’m drawn by their sheer physical prowess, the precision of movement, and how they defy death every day. And not a show, but an Edinburgh experience for me: the noodle bar known as Noodles and Dumplings on South Clerk St. Noodles in warm broth is the best antidote for shit weather.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Continue building and finding my audience. Be a better comic than I am today.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR NIGEL NG: ‘CULTURE SHOCKED’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Dreamgun: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Killian Broderick
Who? Dreamgun (Heber Hanley)
What? Film Reads
Where? Underbelly, Bristo Square – The Dairy Room (Venue 302)
When? 22:15

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

The perfect mix of excitement and trepidation. Edinburgh is such a hectic festival with so many highs and lows. There’s the constant fear that you won’t be able to get anyone to see the show or that everyone will hate it. Also I find there’s always some curveball that gets thrown at you no matter how much preparation you do so you have to stay on your toes.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Film Reads is big dumb comedy show where we take our favourite films, cut the script down to an hour and stuff it full of jokes and nonsense. Each night we do a totally new film like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Jaws or Silence of the Lambs. None of it is rehearsed and the cast are literally reading their lines for the first time on stage which gives it a ramshackle charm.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I think probably just the size of our cast. I know that seems like a very technical answer but we’ve got a relatively large cast (8 people) and so it can make it a little unwieldy for travelling. But the upside is when we make it to Edinburgh you’ve got a team of the best people in the planet at your side for support.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Completely. Especially before my first Fringe there was no way I could have predicted what to expect. No matter how many people I talked to you can’t understand until you’ve just done it. This is only my third Fringe but second going over with this show and you just have to sort of take it as it comes. The first two years I went over with pretty lofty expectations and the Fringe promptly knocked me on my ass.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Shout out to Alison Spittle, a very funny Irish comedian. She’s incredibly charming on stage and also just one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Another Irish Comedian, Tony Cantwell is someone you absolutely should not miss. It’s his first Edinburgh and he’s going to knock it out of the park. I’d also recommend checking out Double Denim. We performed with them in Adelaide and they’re two incredibly funny women. I’d also finally recommend going to see whatever Mat Ewins has cooked up this year as it’s certainly going to be genius.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Ideally I’d love to be working full time doing the show or just comedy writing in general. It’s what I enjoy doing the most in my life so if I ever got the opportunity to quit my day job and do it full time I’d be over the moon.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DREAMGUN: ‘FILM READS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Eric Lampert: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Troy Conrad
Who? Eric Lampaert
What? Borne of Chaos
Where? Laughing Horse @ The Counting House – The Ballroom (Venue 170)
When? 16:15

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

There’s so much pressure for comedians to have a ‘good Edinburgh’, but no longer living in the UK and having multiple territories to play with means I can just concentrate on doing my best and continuing to polish the show while at the Fringe, using it as a platform to workshop rather that some exam, which is certainly how I felt when I first started going there.

I can’t take it too seriously anyway as I’m waiting to hear back from show pilots I auditioned for, which means I may have to cancel none, some, or all of it.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I either had a mental breakdown and lost my mind, or an atheist had the equivalent of a conversation with God & experienced ego death. Either way, I wanted to get my story down before I get hospitalised again. Good enough, right?

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I have one story to share, but presented in two chapters, two shows. They will each work separately so you don’t have to see the first to enjoy the second (although I do recommend it). The former is set before I experienced this life changing moment in my life and therefore can be constructed as one scripted piece. The latter is everything after the event and, as I’m still dealing with its ripple effect and discovering new things in real time, the sequel is evolving constantly, so… the biggest obstacle is accepting that the second show will be mostly improvised. I’m not worried about it, I love being in the moment with the audience, but that means accepting the unpredictability of the future.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

It’s a rich person’s playground, pushing out poorer talent or forcing them to get in debt. And it gets more expensive every year. I think this added pressure on talent has certainly soured how colleagues view the Fringe. Without artists, there wouldn’t be a festival, so perhaps they should walk away at the end of August with a fairer slice of the money made from the venues.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’m excited to see Diana Dinerman’s show Detour. I became friends with her in LA where everyone says they’re a comedian – every, person – but you only find out when you see them perform. I saw her perform a very short set and was nervous our friendship could end there and then, but thankfully she was a hilarious breath of fresh air. I only got a little slice of her show, so I look forward to seeing the full story.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Thanks to my trans-continental career, I’m currently living out of a bag and couch surfing across the oceans, which is exhilarating, but comes with its challenges; one being it’s not yet as financially fruitful as it looks from the outside looking in. Paying rent in either London or Los Angeles is already hard enough, so paying for it when you barely use it is not a prospect I’m keen on right now. Hopefully by next year, I can pay for a nest regardless of how long I spend in it. Either way, I’ve no fucking idea why I’ve been listening to ABBA lately, but I’m into it, so maybe you’ll see me in line for Mamma Mia! the musical by next year, or couch surfing in Sweden.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ERIC LAMPAERT: ‘BORNE OF CHAOS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Harriet Braine: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Karla Gowlett
Who? Harriet Braine
What? Les Admirables
Where? Gilded Balloon at Old Tolbooth Market – Top (Venue 98)
When? 18:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

Broadly positive. I’m in a better place financially and mentally than I was last year, and so far I am happier with my show. The Fringe could easily turn that all upside down though!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Telling the stories of some amazing women from the history of science and technology, while also diving into my career as a performer and a bit of family history, talking about my grandmas, both scientists. It’s also funny (promise).

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

The two main challenges were finding the funny side of the subject matter, and writing original songs rather than parodies this time. It’s not been easy, as my whole schtick in previous shows has been based around mocking supposed ‘genius’ artists, usually male, so an easy punch up. Whereas now I’m talking about people who really had to deal with a lifetime of not being taken seriously because of their gender. Take away most of the parody song elements (I’ve still got a couple in there for old times sake…) which provide easy laughs, and it’s a real challenge. A good challenge! Love a challenge.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Yes, and it never gets easier! I’ve learnt to keep my expectations low, and then it means any positive things that happen feel really good! I’ve learnt over the past few years that it’s really important to pay attention to your mental and physical wellbeing, which for me means taking a lot of time out, being quiet most of the time to save my voice and also just remembering to chill out, and not staying up late. Boring but important.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’m really looking forward to seeing Siblings’ latest show, as they always have me in stitches. Also Sooz Kempner’s new show looks amazing. Can’t wait to see Jayde’s Ballad of Kylie Jenner’s Old Face. Best title ever. I love me a bit of improv too, so I’ll be trying to see Spontaneous Potter, and other people I don’t get to see in London.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

I’d like to be either preparing another exciting new show for Edinburgh (I love it really) and maybe even without a day job! Or I’ll get a part in a West End show that runs forever and be famous. Without having any acting or singing training or qualifications. That’s how it works, right?

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR HARRIET BRAINE: ‘LES ADMIRABLES’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Steve N Allen: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Steve N Allen
What? Better Than
Where? The Stand Comedy Club 2 (Venue 5)
When? 20:50

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

A healthy dose of terror mixed with a little bit of unhealthy terror. Around this time I get a little over-eager to get up there and start doing my material to people. It probably makes me annoying to know for a few months. Most conversations get peppered with me saying, ‘Oh, I should put that in the show’.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Doesn’t it feel like the world keeps getting worse? There are some bad people but no one thinks they’re in the wrong. What if you could make the right choice? In the show I look at those small moments in life where you get to pick what to do and these days we’re being coaxed into doing the bad thing and justifying it to ourselves. Pick the option that’s better and you could end up better than the angry shouting people in politics, better than the dodgy movie moguls, better than what you would have been. It’s that. A look at how to be slightly better than the alternative. 

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Pretty much all of my past shows in Edinburgh have been topical reviews of the year. That’s harder to write but the trick there is I’d be stood next to a big screen that shows the headline that I’m talking about. It was basically there to remind me what bit to do next. This year it’s all pure stand up, no gimmicks, so I actually have to learn it all.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I remember the first few times I did it I felt an obligation, you have to do Edinburgh if you want to get on. I don’t think you can hold that opinion long-term of anything. If you think you have to do something you will find a way out. If you want to do something then you can start to enjoy it. That’s where I am these days. I can’t wait to be doing this show.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Any of my fellow cast members on The Mash Report seem to be acing it at the moment. Erich McElroy who crops up on my BBC podcast also has an interesting take on the state of society in his show. But in general, see as much as you can.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Doing what I do now but doing more of it. I’ve realised that this job is one of the most enjoyable things you can do as long as you take the time to enjoy it. If I get another year where I’m telling jokes on stage, doing odd things in podcasts and recording topical stuff on The Mash Report I’ll be very happy indeed.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR STEVE N ALLEN: ‘BETTER THAN’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Daisy Earl: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Trudy Stade
Who? Daisy Earl
What? Fairy Elephant
Where? Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Nip (Venue 24)
When? 16:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I’m really excited! I love Edinburgh, especially at Fringe time, and I feel really happy to be doing my first full hour. It’s really lovely as a comedian to be able to perform every day of the week in a city where almost all of your comedy friends are at that time.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My show is essentially about self improvement and the extremes people can go to in order to feel happy. When I turned 30 (now over a year ago), I set myself a task to fix a lot of things in my life; I wanted to get sober, to get a boyfriend, to lose weight, to earn more money, to control my mental health. I had a long list of things I felt I needed to be content. This show I suppose is about what I lost and what I found and what I should have maybe stopped looking for.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I think knowing when to stop. You can get really over excited when writing a show and want to put everything in. I think being disciplined enough to not over pack the story is something I’m definitely developing but takes work.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Not really- I’ve always loved the Fringe. I suppose it’s different in that years ago I would only be visiting Edinburgh in August as an audience member; it’s much more exciting to be visiting as a performer. I lived in Edinburgh previously, started comedy on the Scottish circuit and my Mum is Scottish, so it still feels like coming home.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

To be honest it’s hard to pick one but I started comedy on the Scottish circuit and have so many Scottish acts that I love that it’s hard to pick one: Jojo Sutherland, Jay Lafferty, Susie McCabe, Janey Godley, Vlad McTavish, Ashley Storey, Billy Kirkwood, Liam Withnail, Gareth Waugh, Gareth Mutch, Gus Lymburn, Marc Jennings, Stephen Buchanan… and so many more! It’s hard to pick just a few because the Scottish circuit on the whole is really strong so I would just seek out as much Scottish talent as you can.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Just performing comedy. I think it’s an industry where you can sometimes get too focused on what comes next and forget that just to be able to perform is a really amazing thing. I love stand-up so, as long as I’m still performing, I’ll be happy.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DAISY EARL: ‘FAIRY ELEPHANT’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Chris Grace: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Greg Crowder
Who? Chris Grace
What? Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody
Where? Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17)
When? 17:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I am excited and scared. Every year I have added more performing and producing tasks to my plate. So I might be the proverbial frog boiling myself to death with responsibility. But I’m also looking forward to new discoveries and bringing new people and projects to Edinburgh, and I’m excited about the things I’m going to learn and the stunning new things I’m going to see.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I’m producing two shows, Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody, which is what it says on the tin, and John Accardo: Method to the Magic which is a fantastic comedic magic show with one of my favorite American magicians.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I don’t know yet. Producing Voldemort was surprisingly smooth last year. I am prepared for adversity from any corner in the next three months.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I’m not as bowled over with wonder as I was when I first went, and I think I see more of the pattern of the kinds of shows that people bring. But I still look for that distinct Fringe experience, a show I had no idea about that turns out to be amazing, or the show that is so bad that I will never forget it (or performing a play for 2 people in a 288-seat house).

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I recommend people see as many types of shows as possible, especially if they aren’t well-represented in their home locales. For me it’s lots of circus, clown, and magic shows!

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Promoting my finished independent film that I haven’t actually written at this moment.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CHRIS GRACE: ‘VOLDEMORT AND THE TEENAGE HOGWARTS MUSICAL PARODY’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019