Interviews

Jake Lambert: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Jiksaw
Who? Jake Lambert
What? Never Mak The Same Mistak Twice
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33)
When? 20:15

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

It’s exciting, I always said I was more excited for my second hour than my first as you have to start again. The first hour is a culmination of years of material, but for this one I have had to write much more presently and to theme, and I’m really looking forward to that. Oh and also the fear of just how tired and mad you go over the course of the month… there’s also that.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about learning from mistakes and using that to go forward. I’ve just moved in with my girlfriend and I’ve realised it’s all very serious, and as she’s Australian we have a lot to decide on. Basically she’s from Melbourne which got voted as the best place to live for 7 years in a row, so I feel guilty that she moved to London for me. Oh also we don’t want children which people seem incredibly shocked to hear (especially our daughter).

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

I’m trying to be more open and honest, I’ve always struggled with that; last year I tried but some people said I wasn’t open enough about that – (which sort of comes with the territory) so I’m dealing with that both off stage whilst writing it, and on stage whilst talking about it.

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

As I’ve gained more experience, written my own show, and also seen other people’s, I’ve learnt/learned? (I should really google that) the difference between a show and just a prolonged set. I am also a little disappointed by how much people seem to want to make people cry and feel more than actually laugh, that’s a real bugbear of mine, it’s become a bit cliché and cheesy. Laughter should always be the main thing you’re making your audience do as a comedian.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes, I’ve been very lucky to have been supporting Seann Walsh on his latest tour and the show is phenomenal, he has used all his experience and skills to write a brilliantly personal and honest show – actually please watch mine before his if you can because otherwise it will be quite underwhelming.

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

I’d like to be going into the Edinburgh Festival after a successful year, with a slightly higher profile in comedy so that I can play to more people and so a higher percentage of the audience are already aware of me and my style of comedy before the show. I already have an exciting and different idea for next year’s show so I’m excited for it already.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JAKE LAMBERT: ‘NEVER MAK THE SAME MISTAK TWICE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Maisie Adam: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Andy Hollingworth Archive
Who? Maisie Adam
What? Hang Fire
Where? Gilded Balloon Teviot – Billiard Room (Venue 14)
When? 17:00

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

The feelings I have entering the Fringe are a lot different to the ones I have once I’m up there and have done the first couple of shows! In the run up to Edinburgh, I’m just a walking bag of nerves, but once I’m up there and got the first show out the way then I know I’m just going to enjoy it. I loved last year and that had the pressure of being a newcomer which I don’t have this year, so my aim is to just enjoy the month as much as possible – it’s the biggest and best arts festival in the world, so I’m sure that won’t be too hard.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I’m going to be really annoying here and say “I can’t reveal too much” as there’s a twist in the show which would ruin it if you already knew. But it’s about owning your mistakes, blame culture and also looks at how quick we are to jump on people and label them terrible people without letting them make mistakes. Is that a wishy-washy answer? Good, it’s meant to be!

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

Getting permission to do it. And I won’t say more than that!

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

No. I’ve only ever done one Fringe – last year’s – and I was just in awe the whole month at how incredible it was. The year before, I just came up for a few days to compete in the So You Think You’re Funny final, and I knew then that it was special!

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Comedy-wise, I’m really excited to see Rosie Jones’ second show – I loved her show last year and think she’s bloody brilliant. Amusical is always a fantastic show, so I’ll be sure to catch that as well! In terms of theatre, I’m really excited to see Madame Ovary by Rosa Hesmondalgh, a friend put me in touch with her last year and she’s incredible. She’s beaten cancer and written a one-woman play about it in the space of a year. Absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to see it.

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

Walking the runway of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, as Harry Styles watches from the front row and realises what he could have had. I’m very realistic.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR MAISIE ADAM: ‘HANG FIRE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Rosie Jones: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Jiksaw
Who? Rosie Jones
What? Backward
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand (Venue 33)
When? 19:00

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

Excitement! This will be my second full hour, so I feel like I now know what I’m getting myself into. And it’s also great to work on something new; I think this year’s show will be a lot more honest than I was last year, which is fun.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

If last year’s premise was, ‘how I see the world’, this year’s premise is, ‘how the world sees me’. It’s called Backward and in the show I try to answer the question, ‘am I backwards, or are they?’ and the hilarities which come with being the world’s only Northern, gay, disabled comedian!

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

It’s been a bit tricky to write a show that works for people who saw last year’s show, and, at the same time, works for people who have never seen me before. I still have to ‘address the disabled elephant in the room’, but a lot quicker, and more succinct than I probably have done in previous years.

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

I think I take it a lot more seriously now. I used to drink every day, and function on two hours sleep – Edinburgh was my party month. But now I make sure that my priority is my show; lots of naps, water and cod liver oil!

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes! Plenty, gosh I don’t know where to start! Helen Bauer, Suzi Ruffell, Jess Fostekew, Jen Brister, Sara Barron, Flo & Joan, Chris Washington, Jordan Brookes… I could go on! All proper funny people.

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

Honestly? Right here, same place, preparing for another Edinburgh show; I love it! It gives my year routine, and it’s such a fun month. Ooo, it’s almost here!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ROSIE JONES: ‘BACKWARD’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Marlon Davis: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Marlon Davis
What? Emotional Black Male
Where? Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dexter (Venue 33)
When? 18:50

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

Two words! Excitement and dread. This is the time when there’s a lot of sleepless nights, imagining this thing I thought was funny, turns out to be wrong… but I guess that’s the gamble.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Taking a difficult subject and trying to make it funny. In 2016 I was in a coma after trying to get home from a gig. I talk about what happened and also the world I came to back to.

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

Writing it. Following my accident my cognitive skills aren’t as it was. My brain takes a lot longer to organise or communicate my ideas more clearly. But I’m not a quitter, I’ve dug deeper and I’m hopeful that I’ve done myself justice.

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

Nope – I’ll still take each day as it comes and try to enjoy it more this year.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Too many to mention, there’s so many wonderful acts taking shows up to the Fringe this year. I like stumbling and discovering brilliant new or exciting acts I’ve never heard of before. That’s what Edinburgh is all about.

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

In 2020.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR MARLON DAVIS: ‘EMOTIONAL BLACK MALE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Kelly Convey: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Ursula Aitchison
Who? Kelly Convey
What? Telephone Voice
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker One (Venue 33)
When? 19:15

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

I can’t bloody wait to get my show out there and have my Greatest Showman moment of “This is me!” Sure, I’m nervous about reviews and getting audiences in (please come!) but that’s natural and just shows I care.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My show is my coming out moment (I’m straight btw) – my time to have a proper platform to tell everyone who I am and how I came to be here. My show starts with my errant teenage years as one of the original chavs from Chatham, to my twenties as (unbelievably) a high-flying TV Exec to the life-changing decision to become a comedian in my thirties. POW!

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

Doing it justice and really getting my message across – I want this show to be a celebration of my working class roots – they are the reason I have to pinch myself so often. This isn’t a story of struggle, it’s a story of pride.

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

I see the Fringe as an opportunity, a business one, a spring board. I came to the Fringe for the first time 3 years ago, I’d been going about 5 months and was in the final of SYTYF. Being in the final put me in front of agents at a really early stage in my career. The following year I came up to do spots to get a feel for it. Last year, I did my first full month doing 40 minutes, which put hairs on my chest. Now, this year, I’m back, I’ve waxed my chest and ready for the “Big Debut”!

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Rosie Jones, she’s my bae and a knock-out comic (her show is at the same time as mine – that’s how much I love her!). Helen Bauer is also debuting and her whirlwind style is definitely a must-see!

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

Well, I know I’ll be writing another bloody show! By this time next year, I would like to have built my fanbase more and for people to be buying tickets, not because I’m a newcomer they don’t know, but because they remember me and can’t wait to see me again.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR KELLY CONVEY: ‘TELEPHONE VOICE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Dominic Frisby: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Steve Best
Who? Dominic Frisby
What? Libertarian Love Songs
Where? PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth – Cinema Room (Venue 156)
When? 17:00

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

I am very nervous. I have two months to go, but am trying a very different, very political show this year.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I was having ukulele lessons and I kept having these ideas for songs. I am a libertarian in my politics. We are fairly few and far between, but I could tell that my uke teacher was pretty sympathetic to this world view because he kept laughing at my song ideas and adding to them and making them way better. Gradually these uke lessons became song writing sessions. I then tried out a couple of the songs at free speech comedy night, Comedy Unleashed in London, and they went down so well, I thought, I’m onto some thing here. I thought it might be funny to juxtapose the traditions of the socialist protest song, only make it the political polar opposite – i.e. libertarian protest songs. So that’s how it started. And it gradually morphed into Libertarian Love Songs.

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

My inability to play the ukulele.

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

The Edinburgh Fringe seems to get better every year. There is so much competition and the result is that the shows get better and better. Comedy is the great winner – standards rise, which is for the benefit of everyone who likes comedy.

The biggest problem this year is the cost of accommodation, which as arisen as a result of some idiot left-wing ruling designed to protect people but in actual fact just making life more expensive and more difficult for everyone. There is an example if you needed it of yet another idiotic government intervention, and that is why I encourage you to VOTE LIBERTARIAN LOVE SONG.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes. My lecture on Adam Smith and the economics of the Edinburgh Festival. And a free show called The ShadowPunk revolution

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

Number One in the album charts

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DOMINIC FRISBY: ‘LIBERTARIAN LOVE SONGS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Laura Lexx: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Karla Gowlett
Who? Laura Lexx
What? Knee Jerk
Where? Gilded Balloon Teviot – Turret (Venue 14)
When? 17:15

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

Excited. I had a really good time last year and it’s given me so much energy to race back in with a really tight show full of punchy ideas and things I’m excited to share with an audience.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I’m looking at fear this year… my own big fears, but also how fear seems to charge people up to behave in certain ways. I’m using the techniques I assembled during my own mental health therapy to try to get to the bottom of some of the root fears that are fuelling the way people react to certain things within society.

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

Nerves about getting it wrong. I think I worry a lot about being complicit through silence on things I don’t agree with, but then I am constantly scared too about trying to be vocal in case I’m not the most informed person on the planet. Hopefully with this show I’ve found a way to speak up and be supportive of things that are important to me.

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

Yes, hugely. I’ve seen through some of the more ridiculous, energy sapping aspects of it and started to see it for what it is: a fun, colourful wonderful playground that only has to feel competitive if you succumb to that pressure. It’s hard to go in focusing forward but you really have to put your blinkers on and go in looking for the highs.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Jess Fostekew’s show ‘Hench’ and Paul F Taylor’s show ‘Odd Paul’. I saw previews of both of them at Machynlleth Festival and I’m SO excited to see them again once all the fine-tuning is done – they were so good.

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

I don’t mind as long as I feel calm there.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR LAURA LEXX: ‘KNEE JERK’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Joe Bor: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Joe Bor
What? The Story of Walter and Herbert
Where? Laughing Horse @ Espionage – Carnival (Venue185)
When? 15:45

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

Excited (as haven’t been for 5 years and keen to share my show with people).

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about the friendship of my grandad (world renowned town planner Walter Bor) and his best friend (world famous actor Herbert Lom) and their journey from Nazi-occupied Prague.

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

It required a lot of research, filming and a lot of actual work. As a comedian, I am not used to this!

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

Yes, since being a dad, it has been more of a challenge and commitment, but I feel like I have a show this year that is really worth it.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I am looking forward to seeing James McNicholas, Arnab Chanda, Tom Parry, Ian Smith and Luke McQueen.

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

On a beach/Hollywood.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JOE BOR: ‘THE STORY OF WALTER AND HERBERT’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Double Denim: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Gianna Rizzo
Who? Double Denim
What? Adventure Show
Where? Underbelly Cowgate – Belly Dancer (Venue 61)
When? 20:40

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

I’m really excited to be coming back to the Fringe because I haven’t performed in the UK for a while and since then, I think the culture of being a female comedian has shifted slightly but significantly. In Australia it’s been a really exciting time so it’s going to be nice to see in Edinburgh.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s a safari party that starts on a cruise ship. The show explores female friendship in a non-traditional and absurd way.

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

Re-imagining the show for an international audience without losing our Australian-ness.

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

I’ve always loved the Fringe. It is pretty magical to be near a castle. We don’t have those in Aus. I think as the Fringe grows it obviously becomes harder to make ends meet for everyone but I’ve been pretty privileged and lucky in the past. Hopefully we can find a way to keep the Fringe accessible to younger artists. It made a huge difference for me when I was first starting out. I’d hate to see up and coming people priced out.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I directed Demi Lardner’s Ditch Witch 800 so I’d love you to see that! I’m also really in love with Snort, an improv group from New Zealand. Zach and Viggo are always a treat, so is Stamptown and Late Night Lip Service.

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

I’d love to keep working on the TV show i’m working on and maybe be able to bring my dog to set. That’s the dream.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR DOUBLE DENIM: ‘ADVENTURE SHOW’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Abbie Murphy: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Idil Sukan
Who? Abbie Murphy
What? Eat Sleep Shit Shag
Where? Gilded Balloon at Old Tolbooth Market – Top (Venue 98)
When? 13:00

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

Really looking forward to this year’s Festival. I always learn so much from doing Ed Fringe, that I am excited to see where another one under my belt can take me. There really is nothing like it, a comedy bootcamp if you will… I am taking two shows up this year; one stand up, one sketch, so I do need to remind myself of the fun that is to be had, because right now I am in the thick of gigging and previewing two shows, so it’s quite intense at the moment.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Eat Sleep Shit Shag is anecdotal of my ex career as a showgirl, working on cruise ships, and of my time working in India as a Bollywood dancer! I tell tales of my youth in Essex, and how it came about that I even became a professional dancer, and what made me leave that behind for a career in Comedy.

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

My first couple of Fringes I was performing character comedy. Girl On Fire & Have A Word saw my love child Stephanie Vange hold court telling tales of her Essex failings. After a couple of years off, I came back with my first hour of straight stand up as ME. That was the biggest obstacle, getting out of my own way, and realising that I could just be up there with a mic and my stories and that would be enough. I just about believed it by the end of last year’s Fringe, so I am back this year to cement in what I learned, and build on that new confidence.

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

In some ways yes, I used to think the Edinburgh Fringe was open to all, even if you didn’t have huge financial support behind you, if you were prepared to work hard – which I did, holding down a job 6 days a week to be able to afford to do the festival! I felt I had proved wherever there was a will there was a way. I am now on my 4th festival, still fully self funded, and tbh it is taking it’s toll! Now I realise in that way the festival is privileged, because without a tonne of gumption (and cash) you can take part, but you will struggle to be consistently do so – Hence the couple of years off I had in the middle. SO, yes the financial side of Ed Fringe I have now seen and experienced, is suffocating new and or developing talent.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Can I say my own Sketch Show? (Just did) LOL Beg Borrow & Bitch Ridiculously silly, British camp, mixed with retro 80s nostalgia – Think Dynasty on steroids! We are on every night 22:30 at Old Tolbooth Market Bothy Bar! I am also looking forward to seeing Maddie Campion’s solo hour Truly Maddie Deeply, I have seen her gigging the London Circuit and think she is very good. Also I am a big fan of Olga Koch, looking forward to catching her show If/Then during the run! Ooo and Joz Norris, he’s up to something good and different this year! His show is at Heroes of the Hive Joz Norris Is Dead. Long Live Mr Fruit Salad – I mean, what is not to like about that title!

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

This time next year? Shooting the sitcom I have penned – that would be nice… especially as it is set somewhere sunny! But honestly, as long as I am still dabbling and progressing as a stand up, actor and as a writer of all things comedy, I don’t mind, it’s what makes me happiest. Life! It’s a right laugh ain’t it…

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ABBIE MURPHY: ‘EAT SLEEP SHIT SHAG’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019