Sam Morrison: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019
Who? Sam Morrison
What? Hello, Daddy!
Where? Just the Tonic at Marlin’s Wynd – Just the Wyndy Room (Venue 296)
When? 17:25
What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?
Both triumphant and overwhelmed. I will say that from a personal perspective, I’ve gone from closeted stand-up wannabe to professional comedian screaming about having sex with dads in about five years. My Fringe show is largely about those five years and feels like closure on this intense chapter in my life. Sometimes I get so lost in the performances that I don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate that. I am very proud of myself.
I am overwhelmed logistically. I’ve been fantasizing about coming to the festival for years. I’ve been diligently planning for the past year, but the last few months have been a bit chaotic. This is mostly due to the fact that I got hired to write for a new comedy on Bravo. It’s a dream job! But, it has also taken over what little free time I did have available to plan this Fringe. And who knew that committing and planning to go halfway around the world purely on a belief in your own talent takes time, lots of money, planning, and some delusion?
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
Hello, Daddy! is a queer coming of age story where stories of heartbreak and gaiety across decades capture my transformation from a shy cucumber shaped virgin boy into a daddy-fucking manifesto of a person. It’s a bizarre, vulnerable, and discomforting queer coming of age story that will make you laugh, cry, and cum. It’s a show for the whole family. Seriously, bring your dads.
What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
I feel like a fraud. I constantly convince myself I am terrible and it halts my creative process right in its tracks. I am my own worst enemy. The ironic thing is I am also quite conceited. It changes rapidly and dramatically. There are those magical shows I have where I am really connected with audience, and feel invincible. Yet, the next day I could simply not feel funny. I’ll hate everything from my writing to the sound of my voice. Usually, journaling helps. It doesn’t solve the problem, but it helps me recognize what I’m doing is unhealthy.
Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?
Since this is my debut, I can only comment on my feelings towards the Fringe. It is a personal and cultural experience that has become more attractive the more I fantasize about it. However, as I’ve asked for advice from past Fringe goers, they have gone out of their way to express the massive obstacles both personal and artistic. I have gotten more nervous as the festival approaches and am bracing myself for the euphoric as well as the difficult times.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Go see Lucie Pohl, Anders Lee, Gabe Mollica, Naomi Karavani, and Katharyn Henson!
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
I’d like to be back at the Fringe with a brand new show! If not, it likely means this year’s Fringe went so well that there is an opportunity to perform this show on bigger stages and/or for television. I hope to also own a dog. I’m thinking either Docson or French Bull Dog. Tweet at me what I should do: @samuelhmorrison