The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Enterprise’s Christopher Carley
Christopher Carley is a stand up comedian and actor, who is performing in a play entitled Enterprise during the festival this year. This surrealist play is written by Brian Parks, and is about four businessmen scrabbling to save their financial stability for the future. Enterprise will be at Assembly George Square throughout August.
1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?
I’ve wanted to work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since I was a college student. And now I’m a married adult, with two children and a dog who never stops barking. Sure, it’s exciting to perform in a play and do stand-up at the same time, but just the opportunity to get away from these people is enough. If it were a prison sentence with a 100% haggis diet, I’d still be going.
2) What was is your first Edinburgh show about?
The play is titled Enterprise. When I asked the production team what it was about, they said “With their corporation on the brink of collapse, four panicking businessmen have one desperate night to save their futures. Emergency proposals, email hacking, animal sacrifice – will any of it work?” I thought it would be more powerful if it was one panicking businessman, but the other actors keep saying “their” lines and the director doesn’t seem to have the balls to do anything about it. As far as stand-up, I try to cover the entirety of my life experience: working w/ Clint Eastwood, parenthood, anxiety, being the son of a NYPD homicide detective. And of course the many, many, many, many, many, many times I’ve shit my pants. Many, many times.
3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?
People in the midst of a panic attack, self-medicators, habitual cringers, leprechauns, and lonely swim suit models.
4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?
Windows in our flat. I’m not meant for daylight.
5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?
Following Greer Barnes, just like one of my other comedy icons, Bill Burr: “I Can’t Follow Greer Barnes” – Splitsider
6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?
I know a bunch of people involved in the production of Mary Go Nowhere, so I’ll definitely see that, just to see if it goes anywhere.
7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?
I want to win dammit!! And when I do, I’m not gonna’ share. I’m gonna’ eat it all by myself and not tell anyone.
8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?
My first professional job was on Broadway in Martin McDonagh’s Beauty Queen of Leenane directed by Gary Hynes. My last role will be the title role in Darby O’Gill & The Little People. It’s hard to remake a classic, but I’m not afraid.