Edinburgh

Anna and Helen: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Matt Crockett
Who? Anna and Helen
What? Stuck in a Rat
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – The Attic (Venue 33)
When? 17:45

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

We feel very grateful to be going as a pair because our feelings-roller-coasters coincide extremely well. When one of us is having night terrors about the show being a complete disaster, the other is wildly optimistic that we’ll absolutely have the best month of our lives. And then quick as a flash, we swap. It’s such fun and so nice to finally have a sense of stability in this chaotic industry.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s an unashamedly positive life-transforming seminar, led by a couple of well-meaning idiots. It’s been a real stretch to find those characters. Ultimately designed to be an uplifting celebration of life and all its complications, it’s very silly but written from the heart.

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

We decided to make things easy for ourselves by not having any props and then proceeded to make a show which required a full drum kit, keyboard and guitar. So our biggest obstacle has probably been lugging the instruments all over London for previews without doing ourselves any long-term physical damage.

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

The biggest change in attitude is that we have plucked up the courage to take a show there together. Other than that it remains as exciting as it ever has been.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

We love Lucy Pearman’s shows for their incredible inventiveness and creativity and Rosie Jones was brilliant in the Funny Women Final so we can’t wait to see her do a full hour.

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

Hopefully we’ll have found our way out of the rat by the 26th August. And then we’ll spend the next 11 months trying not to get stuck in it again.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ANNA AND HELEN: ‘STUCK IN A RAT’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Sam Morrison: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Sam Morrison
What? Hello, Daddy!
Where? Just the Tonic at Marlin’s Wynd – Just the Wyndy Room (Venue 296)
When? 17:25

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

Both triumphant and overwhelmed. I will say that from a personal perspective, I’ve gone from closeted stand-up wannabe to professional comedian screaming about having sex with dads in about five years. My Fringe show is largely about those five years and feels like closure on this intense chapter in my life. Sometimes I get so lost in the performances that I don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate that. I am very proud of myself.

I am overwhelmed logistically. I’ve been fantasizing about coming to the festival for years. I’ve been diligently planning for the past year, but the last few months have been a bit chaotic. This is mostly due to the fact that I got hired to write for a new comedy on Bravo. It’s a dream job! But, it has also taken over what little free time I did have available to plan this Fringe. And who knew that committing and planning to go halfway around the world purely on a belief in your own talent takes time, lots of money, planning, and some delusion?

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Hello, Daddy! is a queer coming of age story where stories of heartbreak and gaiety across decades capture my transformation from a shy cucumber shaped virgin boy into a daddy-fucking manifesto of a person. It’s a bizarre, vulnerable, and discomforting queer coming of age story that will make you laugh, cry, and cum. It’s a show for the whole family. Seriously, bring your dads.

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

I feel like a fraud. I constantly convince myself I am terrible and it halts my creative process right in its tracks. I am my own worst enemy. The ironic thing is I am also quite conceited. It changes rapidly and dramatically. There are those magical shows I have where I am really connected with audience, and feel invincible. Yet, the next day I could simply not feel funny. I’ll hate everything from my writing to the sound of my voice. Usually, journaling helps. It doesn’t solve the problem, but it helps me recognize what I’m doing is unhealthy.

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

Since this is my debut, I can only comment on my feelings towards the Fringe. It is a personal and cultural experience that has become more attractive the more I fantasize about it. However, as I’ve asked for advice from past Fringe goers, they have gone out of their way to express the massive obstacles both personal and artistic. I have gotten more nervous as the festival approaches and am bracing myself for the euphoric as well as the difficult times.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Go see Lucie Pohl, Anders Lee, Gabe Mollica, Naomi Karavani, and Katharyn Henson!

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

I’d like to be back at the Fringe with a brand new show! If not, it likely means this year’s Fringe went so well that there is an opportunity to perform this show on bigger stages and/or for television. I hope to also own a dog. I’m thinking either Docson or French Bull Dog. Tweet at me what I should do: @samuelhmorrison

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR SAM MORRISON: ‘HELLO, DADDY!’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Phil Nichol: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Steve Ullathorne
Who? Phil Nichol
What? Too Much
Where? Monkey Barrel 4 (Venue 515)
When? 21:00

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

I’m feeling crazy and alive. I’m working 16 hour days and then performing previews at night to keep up with all the work. As well as my solo show, Too Much, I am writing and performing a double act show with Tony Law called Virtue Chamber Echo Bravo and producing/acting in a Eugene O’Neill play entitled Hughie. I’m also directing a couple of shows as well. It’s been fun and exhilarating. Can’t wait to get them all up and running.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The planet is messed up. Society has devolved. Mankind is hopeless. Vegans are right. You can’t punch a fascist. The left are self-righteous morons. Everyone is a selfish prick. I’m a bleeding hypocrite. It’s all too much. Too much. Too Much takes an unflinching look at ageing, recognition, mental health, values, norms, patience, everything and conkers delivered in my unique live-wire style.

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

Time. I’ve just finished my last tour of the show Your Wrong in June so I’m putting this show together quite quickly even by my own standards. Fingers crossed that it all comes together.

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

I love the Fringe. However, with love comes hurt and pain and joy and contentment. It’s a lot easier to love the Fringe if you are happy with the shows that you are doing. This year I am so happy and excited I think I might burst.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yuriko Kotani: Somosomo, Pleasance, 7pm

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

I’d like to be a little further ahead with my Edinburgh plans than i am this year. Preparing a new show and enjoying the sunny weather and loving life. You?

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR PHIL NICHOL: ‘TOO MUCH’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Brett Johnson: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Elizabeth Woodward
Who? Brett Johnson
What? Poly-Theist
Where? Just the Tonic at The Charteris Centre – Just the Crypt (Venue 393)
When? 13:20

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

A little nervy but pumped as hell. All the preparation is making me look forward to just getting there and it happening.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The tagline is: I was a married, 21-year-old monogamous Evangelical, then I became the opposite. It’s a true solo comedy show about faith, non-monogamy and KFC.

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

Translating the experience I went through into a show that’s well-paced, honest and funny. I didn’t realize when I started how much that was going to involve me working through more of my feelings and ideas to better understand how I feel about it and figure out what’s worth including in the show.

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

This is my debut, so there’s still a lot of attitude to change – but having attended last year’s I’m still in awe of the size and extent of it.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Jamie Loftus, Molly Brenner and Mike Lemme; Sean Patton is also crazy good.

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

I’ll have JUST finished filming Poly-Theist the feature film in time to head to Fringe for a three-show double-act run with Phil Nichol.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR BRETT JOHNSON: ‘POLY-THEIST’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Ignacio Lopez: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Michelle Huggleston
Who? Ignacio Lopez
What? EspañYOLO
Where? Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just the Big Room (Venue 88)
When? 13:30

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

There’s definitely some fear and excitement bubbling under the surface, but I’m pretty chilled out about it. I’ve got a strong show, I get to go catch up with loads of friends, and I’m on nice and early everyday (1.30pm, that’s a comedian’s morning!) so I don’t have to spend all day stressing about my show.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I set out to convince everyone that Spain is the greatest country at everything (which it is). The show celebrates differences in cultures and nationalities but ultimately I’m looking to prove we’re all the same. Despite this lofty ambition and dull description, I’m definitely a ‘punchlines over premise’ guy. I tackle some pretty serious stuff from history and modern day but rest assured there are HILARIOUS gags throughout. There are a lot of surprises, I couldn’t decide if I wanted the show to be farcical or historical, and nobody expects the Spanish indecision.

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

Probably Brexit. It’s changed audiences attitude to some jokes and it’s constantly looming over every comedy night. Thankfully I’ve performed my material to the most ardent leavers and the biggest advocates for remain and they all find it funny. I’m not 100% sure how I get away with a lot of what I say, sheer confidence I’m guessing. I barely mention it in the show but I have to address the elephant in room if just so everyone can breathe out and relax.

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

Absolutely. I first went to the Fringe in 2011 with a split show and we all put so much pressure on ourselves. We thought Edinburgh was going to have a lasting impact on our stand-up for the rest of the year, everyones talking about reviews and agents and television and other ‘industry’ nonsense. Over time you realise that it’s not important or healthy to think about it that way.

Do what you feel comfortable doing, have fun, build an audience. The best feeling is having people return to see your show the next year, and the next. Do something you’re proud of. Ultimately none of it matters. It doesn’t make a difference if you skip a year. The Fringe is like bootcamp mixed with mardi gras. It’s a big old mess and I love it.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

If there are any tickets left for it by the time this goes out, definitely go see Bec Hill’s new show. Her shows are always amazing and inventive but this year she’s putting on something truly huge that you will want to have seen.

Also, I’m directing Phil Cooper’s show. Phil is one of the most naturally funny people I’ve ever known and it’s been great working on Hamsters In Colour with him. He’s inherited a house in the Welsh Valleys from his grandfather, who was a hoarder, so the house is filled with decades worth of hilarity. It’s like a comedy time-capsule and Phil navigates it brilliantly.

Definitely take some risks though. Go see someone you’ve never heard of, if someone’s flyering their own show, be nice, take a flyer, if it sounds like something you might enjoy, give it a shot.

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

I’d like to get some stand-up out on the radio, gig in places I haven’t been yet. I’ll keep putting out sketches with BBC Sesh. I think I’m going to put out an album of my comedy songs. Ultimately, just doing what I’m doing now. Despite the often miserable weather, the depressing politics and the terrible pay, there is nowhere I’d rather be than in the UK performing comedy. There’s no getting rid of me now.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR IGNACIO LOPEZ: ‘ESPAŃYOLO’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Holly Morgan: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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@ Rebecca Pitt
Who? Holly Morgan
What? Holly Morgan is a Witch. Get Her!
Where? Gilded Balloon Teviot – Billiard Room (Venue 14)
When? 22:00

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

You remember that feeling when you’re all lining up outside the exam hall? And everyone’s bricking it and there’s one arsehole there who claims they haven’t even read the book and then they later get an A? I’m not that one; I’m the one who really didn’t read the book.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The British Witchcraft Act was only repealed in 1951; the act that makes it illegal to practice magic. Up until then, we’d had a lovely time murdering women for a thing that is literally impossible. When Trump, arch misogynist and the world’s most dangerous clown since John Wayne Gacy (google it, cautiously), started tweeting about ‘the witch hunt’ against him, I realised that the patriarchy was still using smoke and mirrors to get away with wide-scale human rights abuses. Sounds a hoot doesn’t it? But I like digging into serious subject matter with my comedy and finding the ridiculousness in it. I’ve blended in musical impressions of singers such as Amy Winehouse and Kate Bush who were labelled ‘kooky’ or ‘weird’ and used their voices for some of the famous witches. Basically, I’ve made an hour of comedy to justify doing a Stevie Nicks finale.

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

It’s pretty hard to make jokes about the estimated deaths of 45,000 women across Europe. But the way that women were literally burned for perceived crimes then is what happens now with online trolling, tabloid muck raking and even the nasty shit that we say to each other because we’ve been socially conditioned not to value ourselves as women. It’s a joyous thing to be a ‘nasty woman’ and find the comedic parallels across hundreds of years.

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

Oh my god definitely. I used to come up as a student and essentially treated it like an all you can eat buffet – instead of sausage rolls it was insecure stand-up comics. It’s much, much harder when you give a shit.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

My favourite bit! Katie Arnstein’s Sexy Lamp, James Rowland’s Songs of Friendship, Lucy Farrett’s Lois, Matt Winning, Anna and Helen, Jonny and the Baptists, Josie Long, Droll, Lucy Roslyn’s Orlando, Byron Lane’s Tilda Swinton Answers An Ad On Craigslist.

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

My husband plays my ‘familiar’ in this show – because nothing says ‘smash the patriarchy!’ like marrying a straight, white man and fitting him into your feminist stand up. We have a telly script which we’re hoping/ have everything riding on being made next year. And now I’m worried I’ve jinxed it so I better nip off and do a small blood sacrifice.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘HOLLY MORGAN IS A WITCH. GET HER!’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Eleanor Colville: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Ali Wright
Who? Eleanor Colville
What? Google Me
Where? Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Out of the Box (Venue 88)
When? 16:40

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

I Cannot. Bloody. Wait. I’m very excited. And nervous. And a little bit scared but I’m really just looking forward to diving right in. I took a break from Edinburgh last year for personal and family reasons, and although it felt sad at the time, I think it was the best thing I could have done for myself and my comedy. Now, I’ve actually had time to miss the craziness of the Fringe and just can’t wait to get back to it. It’s going to be a bit of a different Fringe for me this time around – it’s my second solo show so I’m used to the perils of going alone but I’ve never sacrificed so much to do the Fringe before. I think there’s a big leap up between taking your student sketch show up to Edinburgh in your summer off University and trying to do it as a fully-functioning professional adult in trousers. Like, I’ve actually quit my job to do this. So, I guess that could be seen as an added pressure, or just an affirmation that I do think the show is worth that and that there’s no place I’d rather be but the Fringe come August!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Haha, the premise is that I, Eleanor, struggling to write my show, follow a WikiHow link and create an AI Robot that uses a deep learning algorithm to write the best show ever. It uses all my online data to generate material, so retracing my own digital footprint of Facebook feeds, YouTube comments and google search histories I create a whole host of characters. It’s basically me googling myself, investigating my dependency to ask the internet the questions I’m too scared to ask anyone else. It’s a funny but true story of what it’s like growing up as a millennial in the digital age of big, scary data and looks at the relationship between social media and mental health.

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

Time and money. Not even joking. I don’t understand how artists are meant to do the Fringe or even commit to theatre or the arts in general without having super wealthy parents and it makes me very sad. I don’t have the luxury of living with my parents, I moved to London and work full time just to afford my rent. I’ve found I’ve had to be super disciplined to write my show and gig in my spare time and I’m still struggling. I think something really has to change because it is just so unfair the risk associated with following a career in the arts for someone from a low-socio economic background compared to the risk faced by an individual from a high socio-economic background. Which is a real failure because then you just get very homogenized shows which is boring for everyone.

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

Yes. I think more needs to be done to make the Fringe more accessible. At the moment it feels like the artists are the customers and not the other way around. Having said that, I still think the energy and buzz of the Fringe is incredible and I can’t think of a comparison where you get (especially in comedy) people at the top of their game socialising and hanging out with newbies. I think I’m going to try approach this Edinburgh more like work. I say that now, you’ll still find me hungover on a Tuesday morning flyering in the rain and cradling a toastie.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes! That’s the other amazing thing about taking a show to the Fringe – you have a month to see other people’s great work! High on my hit list are Raph Wakefield’s Wengerball and Archie Henderson’s Jazz Emu. Ken Cheng always kills it and I’m excited to see Ben Pope and Moon’s show. I’m also looking forward to all the shows from people I don’t know! I love Rose Matefeo too. And if anyone can get their mitts on Daniel Kitson, omg.

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

In a year’s time I would like to be on a beach sipping a piña colada from an obnoxiously large straw. Haha. I don’t know. I’d like to be going to the Fringe again if I can afford it, I’d like to have found a way to be able to dedicate more time to writing new stuff and I would like to have written a play.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ELEANOR COLVILLE: ‘GOOGLE ME’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Shivani Thussu: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Chris Bethell
Who? Shivani Thussu
What? Prefer Not To Say
Where? Monkey Barrel 2 (Venue 515)
When? 13:20

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

Paralysed with shakes but also aching to just get up there and start.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s set in a focus group where I play the facilitators and the participants. There are too many wigs to be honest. It’s too much. It’s very wig reliant.

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

My own chaotic brain just wanting to put everything I’ve ever thought about into one hour. And also time, because I started quite late.

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

I’ve never been this scared of it before now. But it’s important not to take it too seriously.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

My improv friends Flora Anderson, Theo McCabe, Nick Everritt and really looking forward to Johnny White Really-Really and Lola & Jo’s shows too.

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

Wherever, I’m chill.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR SHIVANI THUSSU: ‘PREFER NOT TO SAY’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Anuvab Pal: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Karla Gowlett
Who? Anuvab Pal
What? Democracy and Disco Dancing
Where? Assembly George Square Studios – Five (Venue 17)
When? 17:30

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

Fright. Uncertainty. Looming bankruptcy.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I once wrote a film review about a Bollywood movie titled Disco Dancer, that almost had me arrested and only when I could prove I was a Disco Dancer, was I freed. Which is also I suppose a study of The Indian democracy. So the show has Democracy and Disco Dancing.

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

Almost having to go to jail to get a good story.

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

Yes. I think of it now more as writing a play. With me acting in the play.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes. Loyiso Gola, Nish Kumar, David O Doherty, others.

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

Back at Edinburgh, complaining.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ANUVAB PAL: ‘DEMOCRACY AND DISCO DANCING’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Francis Boulle: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Ed Moore
Who? Francis Boulle
What? Francis Boulle And Friends
Where? Pleasance Dome – AceDome (Venue 23)
When? 23:00

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

Very excited for the opportunity to get so much stage time in such a short amount of time, and in one place! My show also starts 11pm though so I’m sure I’ll be forced to deal with some drunken revelers.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The premise of my Edinburgh show is me hosting a rotating mixed bill of some of the best comedians at the Fringe (who happen to be free at 11pm).

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

Although I have been gigging a fair bit since November I haven’t done much MC’ing before so trying to reconcile my act with the role of compere has been a challenge to get my head around but I think I am slowly getting there and it has definitely been really good for me as a comedian.

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

I studied up at Edinburgh and so have been attending the Fringe as audience member for many years, but coming back as a performer has given me a whole new perspective on things and I am very excited to do a full month of shows and gigs. It feels a bit like going back to University in more ways than one.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Too many to name but all of the comedians performing in Francis Boulle & Friends have fantastic shows on at the Fringe so I highly recommend going to see all of them. You won’t regret it!

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

In one years time I would love to have my first 45 mins ready to perform at The Edinburgh Fringe 2020 – and hopefully people will be laughing.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘FRANCIS BOULLE AND FRIENDS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019