Interviews

Jacob Hawley: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Avalon

Who? Jacob Hawley
What? Howl
Where? Just the Tonic at The Mash House (venue 288)
When? 15:40 

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

I hope so but its quite hard to tell isn’t it. Last year was the first time I’d done the Fringe properly, I did a 40 minute show on the free Fringe, and despite basically getting everything I wanted from the run (nothing huge happened but I achieved what I set out to at the start) I still ended up getting really down without actually knowing it at the time. But I’m hopeful for this year. I’ve got a big old poster which will calm the nerves, no doubt.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s my debut hour so the premise is to basically present who I am and where I came from to people who wouldn’t have heard of me or seen me before. I talk about my family, my home town and where I am now, and how I feel about stuff. Its about class in relation to politics and there’s some stuff about death, a bang on description of ketamine-induced-mania and it’s funny.

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

Stand up is really, really hard. All of it is subjective and intangible and no one is naturally inclined to sitting and listening to another person speak for 50 minutes (my show won’t be a full 60 minutes because I’m not a fucking psychopath) so you have to overcome that. And the World Cup is on at the moment so whilst I want to dedicate every waking minute to making this show as good as it can be, every pore in my body is screaming at me to watch the football and drink cold continental lager.

Who would most enjoy your show?

I’d like to think it’s pretty universal, although some of it is about politics I think my stuff appeals to people who wouldn’t usually go to see political comedy. It’s probably more social than political observations. There are, however, 6 policemen who came to see a preview of this show in London (I will never know why) and they hated it so much that their response gave me a bit of a nervous breakdown. So long as you’re not one of those policemen, this show is for you.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

My flatmates, Rob Oldham and the sketch group Moon, good honest men who would all go to their death for the values they have sworn to uphold. Heidi Regan is a genius so that’ll be great. And big papa Phil Ellis is doing a show about how he is ready for the big time, which sounds hilarious.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

Mosque Kitchen.

What are your plans for after the festival?

In all honesty I’ve just had a massive break up so I wont have anywhere to live or anything, so I’ll basically just start a fresh, find somewhere new to live and start building a life again. EXCITING!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JACOB HAWLEY: ‘HOWL’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Alice Fraser: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Sally Sparrow

Who? Alice Fraser
What? Ethos
Where? Underbelly, Bristo Square (venue 302)
When? 19:55

Frank Foucault: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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Who? Frank Foucault
What? Shoes
Where? Just the Tonic at The Caves (venue 88)
When? 20.10

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

If someone says they know what the Fringe has in store, they’re lying. Feeling prepared for the Fringe is a sign that you’re un-prepared for the Fringe. That being said, I think my show itself is in a decent place at this point, and I’m confident that it’s ready. 

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year? 

The show is called ‘Shoes’. There’s lots of shoes in it, but I’m reticent to say that it’s about shoes. It’s probably more about dating and relationships, but told through the medium of shoes. It’s better than it sounds.

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

Aside from the never-ending nature of trying to get a show better, the practical and logistical obstacles for this show are more than I would like. There are a lot of props. I lost a bag of shoes at Machynlleth Comedy Festival and had to re-collect a whole bunch right in the middle of a flurry of previews, which wasn’t great.

Who would most enjoy your show?

Big-city investors, stock-brokers, management consultants, war-criminals, rabbis, foley artists, hedge-fund executives, tree-surgeons and professional poker players.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Jordan Brookes. Sean Morley. Olga Koch. Matt Rees. Lucy Pearman. Brian Gittins. Loose Brie. 

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city? 

I think it’s the most beautiful city in the UK, maybe even Europe. It’s for sure up there with Paris or Prague.

What are your plans for after the festival?

I’m doing a teaching course to teach English as a second language, and I might be going to Disneyland.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FRANK FOUCAULT: ‘SHOES’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Vince Ebert: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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Who? Vince Ebert
What? Sexy Science. Made In Germany
Where? Underbelly, Bristo Square (venue 302)
When? 13:30

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Absolutely! I already played a couple of mixed shows last year. This year I debut with my stand-up solo “Sexy Science”.  I hope that the combination of a German comedian who is also a physicist is crazy enough for the Fringe.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

In “Sexy Science” I explain scientific facts with the fundamental laws of humour: Why is the sky blue? Why is the night black? Why shouldn’t we eat yellow snow? And of course I’m willing to debunk the myth that Germans have no sense of humour. The first time I entered the lab of my German university I saw a sign: “Don´t look directly into the laser beam with your remaining eye.”

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

The biggest challenge was to combine scientific and cultural topics. But it worked! In the show I’ll explain why Americans, Brits or Germans believe in completely different nonsense. As a physicist I’m often asked: What do you think of astrology? My answer is always: “Sorry, I don’t believe in astrology because I’m a very skeptical person. Which is typical for a Scorpio.”

Who would most enjoy your show?

In Germany I’ve been playing my science shows in huge venues for almost 20 years. For me it’s always the best thing to see how heterogeneous my audience is: educated and working class people, old and young sit together and laugh at the same jokes. The only thing you really need for my show: bring your brains! 

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to see what’s there yet. As you know, this is an unbelievable amount. I think I will be inspired on the spot by my British colleagues. Luckily my show takes place in the afternoon, so I will have the opportunity to see the some of the big evening shows.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

The restaurants are amazing!!! I’m afraid I’m gonna spend my entire salary on food. 

What are your plans for after the festival?

After the festival my German tour continues. But next year, I’m moving to NYC with my wife for a whole year! Maybe I’ll even make some American contacts during the Fringe.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR VINCE EBERT: ‘SEXY SCIENCE. MADE IN GERMANY’ HERE 

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Rory O’Keeffe: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Arsalan Sattari

Who? Rory O’Keeffe
What? The 37th Question
Where? Banshee Labyrinth (venue 156)
When? 13:20

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Yes. The official hashtag this year is #IntoTheUnknown, but this is my 10th Fringe so I personally feel it should be #HereWeGoAgain or #Another? #Really?.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

‘The 37th Question’ is a comic storytelling show about a couple in their early 30’s who met doing ‘The 36 Questions’, a psychological experiment designed to make strangers become intimate. It’s about what happens 4 years later when they approach the ‘37th Question’… It’s about choices, jealousy, miscommunication. It’s also slightly interactive as the audience can choose which way the narrative goes at certain points, including the ending.

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

It’s been a challenge as it’s a slight change of genre for me. Instead of taking about myself like a narcissistic stand-up, I am telling the story of two fictional people like a narcissistic writer/actor. At times I’ve felt awkward, like I’m delivering a GCSE Drama monologue, but then I just worked that criticism into the show itself like a cowardly comedian.

Who would most enjoy your show?

The Liberal Metropolitan Elite. 

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes, lots. Christopher Bliss. Lolly Adefope. Matt Winning’s shows about climate change are good. And, of course, I am looking forward to watching all 22 productions of ‘Hamlet’. 

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

The people. The views. The street patterns. It’s a very rewarding city to be familiar with in terms of navigation, like knowing a secret code. (Although I haven’t explored it as much as I would like.)

What are your plans for after the festival?

I am moving to Italy for a bit. There are no Fringe festivals there.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR RORY O’KEEFFE: ‘THE 37TH QUESTION’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Suzi Ruffell: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Jiksaw

Who? Suzi Ruffell
What? Nocturnal
Where? Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33)
When? 21:45

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

This is my 5th solo hour so I hope so!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

This year’s show is all about anxiety, the different worries that keep me up at night from world politics to something I did to embarrass myself in 2011.

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

This year I have really had to learn to write on the road, I toured last years show ‘Keeping It Classy’ until May and in June I toured Australia for 5 weeks as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. In previous years I would have a neat little set up at home with tea and biscuits and my little cat to bounce ideas off but this year I have been in hotels and libraries all over the UK and Australia. I have really enjoyed it.

Who would most enjoy your show?

Humans, although I am quite physical so I think dogs could enjoy me too.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Heaps – Jen brister, Zoe Lyons, Felicity Ward, Rosie Jones, Heidi Regan, Jake Lambert, Ed Gamble, to be honest the list could go on and on.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

That place that does pies until really late.

What are your plans for after the festival?

Going to Spain with my mum for a week so we can drink, sunbathe and she can pass judgement on anyone nearby ‘I wouldn’t have a baby out that late’, ‘Oh he is very pink, that’ll hurt tomorrow’ etc.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR SUZI RUFFELL: ‘NOCTURNAL’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Gareth Richards: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Edward Moore

Who? Gareth Richards
What? Prophet
Where? Whistlebinkies (venue 158)
When? 14:45

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Well this is my 11th year doing the festival so I have some experience of the sort of things Edinburgh can throw at you, but who knows what tomorrow brings.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My Edinburgh show is called “Prophet” and has some funny comedy routines and approximately 4 comedy songs in. It’s called, “Prophet” because I’ve always know that is what I’m going to call it. I’m hoping the show will be really funny and that people will enjoy it. This is my eighth Edinburgh show and according to the first website I looked at when I googled, “significance of the number 8”, 8 is the number of resurrection and regeneration, which considering my previous experiences at the Edinburgh Festival is just as well. I guess one theme of the show is that I’ve had some therapy this year to try deal with my negative thought patterns, which I imagine will show themselves throughout the rest of this Q&A.

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

PROCRASTINATION.

Who would most enjoy your show?

People who find everything I say and do hilarious. I don’t care why, but previous reasons for this have been drunkenness, mistakenness, and being a toddler.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Nah mate. There’s not really anything much else on.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

It’s cold, stony, indifference.

What are your plans for after the festival?

Recovery.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR GARETH RICHARDS: ‘PROPHET‘ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Chris Grace: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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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

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

I have no idea, but probably not. This is my first year as a producer and the biggest unknown is that I don’t know what I don’t know. 

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

“Voldemort” is a musical parody and loving tribute to the world of Harry Potter. It’s a prequel of sorts, showing what Tom Riddle was like before he became He Who Must Not Be Named.

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

Casting and scheduling! Getting eight talented Los Angeles actors to pull up stakes and leave the country for five weeks is very difficult.

Who would most enjoy your show?

Harry Potter fans, no doubt, but also fans of irreverent delightful comedy and music. 

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’ll definitely be checking out Sofie Hagen, Phil Ellis, and as much magic and circus as I can fit in my schedule. 

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

It’s either the rich tapestry of history and culture that weaves its way through the very cobblestones of the town, or it’s a restaurant called Noodles & Dumplings on South Clerk Street. 

What are your plans for after the festival?

To return to California and avoid looking at my bank account.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘VOLDEMORT’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Stuart Goldsmith: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Matt Crockett

Who? Stuart Goldsmith
What? End Of
Where? Liquid Room Annexe (venue 276)
When? 14:50

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Certainly am! It’s my 25th year and I’m playing a 250 seater at 2.50pm. Those last two are coincidence but I’m embracing it. I first came to the festival as a 16 year old and have performed standup, sketch or on the street at every single one. The question is, is the Fringe prepared for me?!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I try not to be tied to a premise. If it’s about anything it’s about effort and how I don’t put enough in, in any aspect of my life. But it’s just jokes gang. Big, big jokes.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced while putting this show together?

My toddler and my podcast. And the constantly running soundtrack from the film “Moana” in the back of my mind, thanks to the first one of those.

Who would most enjoy your show?

ABC1’s. No just kidding, I don’t even know if that’s a thing. I don’t write with a particular audience in mind, I just try to make myself laugh, and then trim away all the bits that no one else finds as hilarious.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

ALWAYS BE MAT EWINS-ING.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

Cycling around it – half the time you’re on a gentle incline, but the other half you’re zooming downhill swerving around tourists gaping at the architecture from the middle of the road.

What are your plans for after the festival?

I TAKE A GODDAMN YEAR OFF. And have a second child in October. So probably not that relaxing. Might not tour next year, might just go to ground and raise my family. So give me all your money this year please.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR STUART GOLDSMITH: ‘END OF’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

James Hancox: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Rosie Collins

Who? James Hancox
What? Sports For The Unsporty
Where? Assembly George Square Theatre (venue 8)
When? 16:00

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Getting there! This year I’ve actually drawn up a Fringe-warm-up schedule, to get me in shape for the big month. It involves daily lunges, vegetables and – of course – writing sessions. I haven’t bothered doing any of it yet, but I figure planning is 75% of the battle.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I’ve always been quite awful at sports, so for my debut solo show I decided to make my own up and teach them to the people of Edinburgh.

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

One of the consequences of putting on a show with ‘sports’ in the title is that people presume you know a lot about them. I’ve had to blag my way through so many World Cup-related conversations. I’m now quite good at making up names of footballers.

Who would most enjoy your show?

Anyone who has the burning heart of a champion, but lacks the skills for conventional sports. I’m here to prove that by moving the goalposts (figuratively and literally), anyone can be a winner.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I recently did a preview with Katie Pritchard, who has a gloriously silly show called ‘Tsunamiramirami’ filled full of songs, DIY costumes and surreal comedy. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Steen Raskopoulos’ new show this year – last year’s blew me away. Finally, I’d totally recommend my old pal Rob Broderick’s (Abandoman) show too – from what I’ve seen so far, this year’s show looks like it’s going to be sonically amazing.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

Edinburgh is a city of staircases. I always end up running around it, so in August my ‘stepometer’ score’s big. It’s why my warm up schedule (above) has so many lunges.

What are your plans for after the festival?

Most sportsmen carb-load before their games, but I plan to continue it for a month afterwards. Mostly pizzas. In my underpants. With the Rocky box set. It’s a scientific process.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JAMES HANCOX: ‘SPORTS FOR THE UNSPORTY’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018