Harriet Braine

Harriet Braine: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Karla Gowlett
Who? Harriet Braine
What? Les Admirables
Where? Gilded Balloon at Old Tolbooth Market – Top (Venue 98)
When? 18:00

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

Broadly positive. I’m in a better place financially and mentally than I was last year, and so far I am happier with my show. The Fringe could easily turn that all upside down though!

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Telling the stories of some amazing women from the history of science and technology, while also diving into my career as a performer and a bit of family history, talking about my grandmas, both scientists. It’s also funny (promise).

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

The two main challenges were finding the funny side of the subject matter, and writing original songs rather than parodies this time. It’s not been easy, as my whole schtick in previous shows has been based around mocking supposed ‘genius’ artists, usually male, so an easy punch up. Whereas now I’m talking about people who really had to deal with a lifetime of not being taken seriously because of their gender. Take away most of the parody song elements (I’ve still got a couple in there for old times sake…) which provide easy laughs, and it’s a real challenge. A good challenge! Love a challenge.

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

Yes, and it never gets easier! I’ve learnt to keep my expectations low, and then it means any positive things that happen feel really good! I’ve learnt over the past few years that it’s really important to pay attention to your mental and physical wellbeing, which for me means taking a lot of time out, being quiet most of the time to save my voice and also just remembering to chill out, and not staying up late. Boring but important.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’m really looking forward to seeing Siblings’ latest show, as they always have me in stitches. Also Sooz Kempner’s new show looks amazing. Can’t wait to see Jayde’s Ballad of Kylie Jenner’s Old Face. Best title ever. I love me a bit of improv too, so I’ll be trying to see Spontaneous Potter, and other people I don’t get to see in London.

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

I’d like to be either preparing another exciting new show for Edinburgh (I love it really) and maybe even without a day job! Or I’ll get a part in a West End show that runs forever and be famous. Without having any acting or singing training or qualifications. That’s how it works, right?

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR HARRIET BRAINE: ‘LES ADMIRABLES’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Harriet Braine

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© Claudia Marinaro

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

I’m most excited about seeing loads of shows. I want to see some completely new faces, even though I know I’ll probably end up going to see friends’ shows mostly. I’m also most excited about seeing my Edinburgh people, from when I used to live there. Also the art galleries are amazing, I have a few favourite restaurants I’m excited to go to… basically everything apart from doing my show.

2) What is your first Edinburgh show about?

It’s about visual art, and the artists behind it, like Picasso, Monet etc. It’s a very silly musical show where I make fun of artists but kind of worship them at the same time. It’s also a little bit about me, but in previews so far I haven’t really ‘opened up’ yet. I prefer playing characters, doing semi-offensive accents and my mouth trumpet. Seriously, if I could do just an hour of trumpet impressions I would.

3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?

It tends to attract a slightly older audience (which is ideal, no mucking about, good bucket etiquette), usually fairly cosmopolitan, lots of different Euro nationalities, usually quite a few LGBT. Everyone has some connection to art, even if they hate it, so I find I attract a very varied audience.

4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?

I’ve had no bad experiences because I’ve always stayed with my friends who already live there and have their lives sorted out! My worst hypothetical nightmare would be having to sleep on a floor with other people in the room. I like my own room to cry in.

5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?

Winning the Funny Women Stage award last September was an incredible night. It goes hand in hand with doing a comedy gig with Nish Kumar and John Lloyd at the Victoria & Albert Museum. John called me a genius. That is a treasured memory in the cheesiest sense.

6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?

There are so many… But Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman is a must see for me. She was doing impressions for us backstage at the Funny Women Awards, I was completely in awe of her and still am.

7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?

Some cool fans. I love talking to my audiences about art, and everything really, geeking out with like-minded arty folk. I’m not that fussed about reviews, but I know the machine needs feeding… so I hope to gain a couple of stars.

8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone’s last show ever… they always come crawling back. Also in the future there will be holographic comedians doing shows, so I plan to create a few holographs of myself and keep going forever. My holographic shows will be deeply philosophical and partly in French. I will have found a way to make that funny by then.