Dave Bibby: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019
Who? Dave Bibby
What? Crazy Cat Lad-y
Where? PBH’s Free Fringe @ Globe Bar – Globe (Venue 161)
When? 16:45
What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?
The closer it gets the more excited I am. Which isn’t always the case but this year I’ve taken more time to get my show how I want it and hopefully I’ll peak at the right time. It’s also my first time doing Free Fringe (PBH) so again my focus is less on admin or worrying about ticket sales and more on the creative side of making something I’m proud of and that people will want to see!
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
It’s basically just me recreating the 1991 film Hook. I’ve got a bit of the old Peter Pan Syndrome so I put myself in Robin Williams’ (my comedy hero) shoes and think ‘what would Neverland look like if I were Peter Pan?’. Who would be Rufio and the Lost Boys? What would that stupid ass crocodile say to me now I’m older? All told through my usual style of songs, sketches, stand up, storytelling and lots of [friendly!] audience interaction – including the Choose Your Own Adventure Game ‘Drunk Auntie at a Wedding’! Oh and there’s also lots of pictures of my cats Snoop Catty Cat and Bibby Smalls.
What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
It is a happy and silly show about looking forwards but the writing process meant looking back and using some darker parts of my life and my mind to inspire it. I always want my shows to be fun but sometimes combining that with honest discussions about dealing with stress and anxiety made the initial writing stage quite difficult. But I’m so glad I went there because I think this is the most honest thing I’ve ever written.
Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?
It’s easy to get a bit down about the Fringe because the wealthier acts end up sucking attention away. But having watched dozens of shows down the years and spoken to a lot of other comedian friends I’m so excited to do the Free Fringe this year. The general consensus is that is where the most fun is to be had and the most originality.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Well yeah I’m also doing a live version of my football show/ podcast Jim and Dave Have Lost the Dressing Room. I also love what Lewis Doherty does and the line up in my venue, Globe Bar, is amazing. Just stick around for all of those I’d say!
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
My next show Life: The Gameshow is already at the back of my head shouting to be let out so I’ll probably be answering your questions about why everything I said in 2019 is horse shit but I’ve figured it all out so LISTEN TO ME NOW!