Interview

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Aemen Sukar

Who? Christopher MacArthur-Boyd
What? Home Sweet Home
Where? The Gilded Balloon Teviot (venue 14)
When? 22:15

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

This is my debut hour at Edinburgh, but it’s my fourth year in a row performing at it, so I can confidently say: no, I am not prepared at all for a month of exhaustion, greasy fry-ups and excessive smoking.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

My girlfriend moved all the way from Australia to Scotland to live with me… and my mum and my dad. This is a show about the 3.4 million young British adults still living in their parental home, and the effect that has had on a whole generation.

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

The biggest obstacle with writing this show has been the difficulty inherent in writing about real live people. Some of my mum and dad’s friends have came to see me perform excerpts, and word has got back that I’m not painting them in a particularly favourable light.

Who would most enjoy your show?

It’s written for the millennial generation who are struggling with this issue, but it’s actually been resonating more with the older crowd who are just as pissed off about having to still share a home with these instagramming monsters.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I mean there’s too many good shows to mention but I’ve seen previews by Rosco Mcclelland and Ed Night that really made me panic.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

It’s proximity to Glasgow. 

What are your plans for after the festival?

I think I’m going to lie down for a thousand years.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD: ‘HOME SWEET HOME’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Rebecca Humphries (Prom Kween): The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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Who? Rebecca Humphries
What? Prom Kween
Where? Assembly George Square Gardens (venue 3)
When? 21:05

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

I am literally never prepared, either in a mental or physical sense. I tend to sort of let it trample all over me then go on a peaceful holiday afterwards. 

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Prom Kween is back, following its sell out run last year! For those who didn’t see it, it’s a high-school-musical-political-pop-cultural hot mess that’s been dunked in glitter and had a couple of alcopops. There’s also a karaoke party.

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

Keeping it relevant. Politics was all over the place last year and while that was a disaster for the country/world in general, it was fantastic if you write satire. 2018 seems to have made a concentrated effort to clean up the shit show that was 2017 World Politics… everyone’s behaving themselves slightly more. So we’ve had to dig a little deeper, and ensure that we’re not using references that everyone is waaaaay over.

© Mihaela Bodlovic

Who would most enjoy your show?

It’s cheap to say ‘everyone’, but I’m cheap as they come. Everyone will enjoy this show.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Of course! I saw Frau Welt’s show earlier in the year at Hackney Showroom and am obsessed. Gingzilla’s new one is bound to be all kinds of fabulous. And this year I get to FINALLY see Denim! It’s about time, I’ve always been busy whenever they’re performing. I might buy out the room and just get them to do a command performance. Also Maggie Thatcher is my favourite thing. (I just realised all my recommendations are drag shows. Well, in for a penny etc.) 

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

Three spring to mind. The skyline, the community spirit and the potato stand outside George Square that stays open late. 

What are your plans for after the festival?

Well Prom Kween will be running for a week at the Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol, starting on September 10th. Me personally? Not sure yet. Tuscany? Provence? Gt Yarmouth? Depends on ticket sales.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘PROM KWEEN’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Alison Spittle: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Aoife Herrity

Who? Alison Spittle
What? Worrier Princess
Where? Gilded Balloon Teviot (venue 14)
When? 17:15

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

Yes I think so, more prepared than other years. I’m moving to London from Dublin so I really need this run to work out so I’m throwing everything at this show. It’s a big gamble but hopefully worth it.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about a time in my life where I felt my dreams were coming true, I just finished filming a sitcom I wrote but I realised that it wasn’t an instant fix that I thought it was going to be. 

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

Finances would be a big obstacle and fear. The first year I did a full run at Edinburgh, I stayed on an airbed behind a couch in Leith and gigged to two people. I had a documentary crew catch up on my run. It was just footage of me flyering in the rain and crying.

I made some of my best friends that year and learned so much that made me a better comedian so it was worth it. My last run in Edinburgh went way better, I’m excited for this year.

Who would most enjoy your show?

My mother, she is very supportive. If you’re not my mum, you’d still enjoy it just not as much as her, it’s not physically possible.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I can’t wait to see Lolly Adefope’s third show. Catherine Bohart is an up and coming comedian who blew me away with her short set at Vodafone comedy festival in Dublin and I can’t wait to see an hour of her. Rosie Jones was a guest on an episode of The Guilty Feminist I co-hosted, she’s hilarious and her premise is so strong.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

Joe was a fantastic shop, it closed down this year and I panic bought lots of stuff on the Internet, they gave me a free mug and tote bag I’ll treasure it. Paradise Palms has the best food and the most surliest waiters in the most flamboyant of shirts. It’s an Edinburgh institution that I love very much.

What are your plans for after the festival?

I’m moving to London, I hope to write more TV stuff and be a jobbing stand up comedian (waitress or nanny). If anyone has any tips on where in London is cheap for rent hit me up. I’m already YouTubing how to live in London on a fiver a day, it’s seems you can get free salt and ketchup from McDonald’s. I look forward to nicking toilet roll from pubs.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ALISON SPITTLE: ‘WORRIER PRINCESS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Interview: Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy

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Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy is a stand up comedian from Newcastle. He first spoke to MoodyComedy back in 2014 and has since produced multiple Edinburgh shows, written a radio sitcom and even recently auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent. I interviewed Lee about this growing list of successes and this is what he had to say…

Hi Lee, what’s changed since we last spoke back in 2017?

Quite a lot actually! My life has become pretty busy, which is good. I’ve got a sitcom coming out on BBC Radio 4 called Ability. Ability is about a disabled guy who can be a bit of a dick at times. So, obviously it’s totally fictional and not based on myself at all! It follows the life of Matt (who uses a communication device to speak with… again purely coincidental!). He has recently moved out of home to live with his best mate, Jess, and also has a very dodgy carer called Bob, who visits him every day. What possibly could go wrong?! It’s due to start being broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 11.30am on Wednesday 2 May. Then, I’m taking my show – Inspiration Porn – to the Edinburgh Fringe in August as well. Oh, and I’ve just auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent! 

For those who don’t know you, what is your comedy all about?

Basically, as I’m unable to speak, I use an iPad to tell my jokes on stage. Hence the name Lost Voice Guy. Mainly my material is just taking the piss out of myself and my disability. I’ve always being able to see the funny side of my condition. So this is just like free therapy for me! 

What made you decide to audition for this year’s series of Britain’s Got Talent? Was it a difficult decision?

I’m doing Britain’s Got Talent because I enjoy performing and I think this will be a great opportunity for me to grow both as a performer and a person. I’d also like to prove that disabled people are just like everyone else, and are allowed to have a sense of humour.

Which judge did you most want to impress?

Simon, obviously. Then I might get a ride in his private jet! 

What do you hope to get out of your Britain’s Got Talent experience?

Obviously I’m hoping to go as far as possible but, at the same time, I’m just enjoying the experience and seeing where it takes me. I think it’s more important to have fun than to have any great expectations.

Have you had positive responses from any disability charities since your appearance on the show?

Yes, all the charities that I am involved with have been very supportive since I was on the show. In fact, the response from people in general has been a bit breathtaking. My phone has never stopped since with people congratulating me and stuff. It’s all a bit surreal!

You’re a big supporter of various charities, can you tell us a little more about the ones that are closest to you?

I’m a big supporter of Communication Matters, who help give communication aids to those people who can’t communicate in any other way. I think it’s important that everyone has a voice in one way or another and Communication Matters do great work.

What are you most excited about right now?

My Radio Four sitcom which starts this week! I had the time of my life recording it, so I hope the listeners love it as well.

Visit Lee Ridley’s website or follow him on Twitter for more information

Interview: Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho

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Maggie Thatcher has been extremely busy since she first graced the stages of Edinburgh in 2014. MoodyComedy interviewed her last summer about her latest Edinburgh run, and now she returns to tell us all about Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, which she will be performing at Vault Festival throughout February.

Hi Maggie, what’s changed since we last talked? 

Oh lots dear, not least James Franco’s chances of being nominated for an Oscar. When we last spoke there was a racist lunatic in the White House, the British Government was in disarray, the NHS was in crisis, climate change was ongoing and inequality was worse than ever… Sorry, were we talking about what had changed?

Are you looking forward to performing at Vault Festival from 14th-25th February?

Oh absolutely. Given that the threat of nuclear war is worse than at any time since the 1980s it makes sense to perform the show in what is essentially a fallout bunker. Joking aside, I love Vault Festival. It’s a chance to see exciting new work, meet talented young artists, and experience the atmosphere of the Edinburgh Fringe without having to shell out a million pounds for a flat.

How did your audiences during your Edinburgh Festival run tend to respond to you and your show?

What’s a humble way of saying ‘universal adoration’?

© Mihaela Bodlovic

How has your act evolved over the years?

Oh, it’s evolved a great deal. Back in 2013 I used to wear a blue skirt suit with a red pussy blouse, whereas now 2018 I have radically changed my look and now wear a blue skirt suit with a white pussy bow blouse. It’s night and day.

For you, what is the biggest joy about performing in front of a crowd?

It’s like being back in the house of commons, only the people in front of me aren’t Labour politicians and my backing dancers are slightly less likely to stab me in the back than Tory politicians.

And what is your least favourite aspect?

When other characters have lines. I mean seriously, it’s my name on the poster, why do other people have to speak?

What, or who, are the biggest factors of your success?

Max Factor.

What’s next for Maggie Thatcher?

Watch this space, dear – we’ve got some exciting news to announce very soon!

GET YOUR TICKETS TO SEE MAGGIE PERFORM AT VAULT FESTIVAL FOR 14-18TH AND  21ST-25TH FEBRUARY HERE

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Will Duggan

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© Duncan Elliott

In his latest Edinburgh show, Perspicuator, Will Duggan sets about singlehandedly solving all of the world’s problems. Duggan will be performing at Just the Tonic at The Mash House throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Seeing all the people in my industry that I normally get to see sporadically throughout the year for a full month. That and tattiedogs. They’re these hotdogs wrapped in hash browns and they are the greatest food stuff on earth.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

My first Edinburgh show was called ‘A Man Gathering Fish’ and was about every decision I had made in my life leading me to be in that room doing that show.

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

Yes. Small.

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

In 2013 I thought I had rented a room near the Grassmarket and had in fact rented a very small sofa about three miles away from the Grassmarket. Some friends of mine very kindly let me stay on their floor for the month. So yeah, the happy ending is sleeping on a floor for a month.

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

When Funz and Gamez (the sort of kids show that I’m in with Phil Ellis, Jim Meehan and Mick Ferry) won a Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2014.

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

Far too many great shows to choose from to just pick out one.

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

All I want from anything in comedy is to keep getting better.

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

You know Bowie’s last album was sort of about how he knew he was going to die? But you only really realised it after the fact. Like that. But less clever and far less popular.

BOOK TICKETS FOR WILL DUGGAN: PERSPICUATOR, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Fish Finger Fridays

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© Guy J Sanders

Fish Finger Fridays are an energetic comedy sketch trio made up of Anna Harris, Ollie Jones-Evans and Rajiv Karia. The group will be performing their free show Fun Time Friends at the Black Market throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Macaroni cheese pies. They’re everywhere and they are delicious, whoever decided to cover cheesy pasta with pastry should be knighted immediately.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

Last year our debut show was a silly sketch piece about friendship and this year we’re at it again. Turns out there’s a lot of silly sketches you can write about friendship.

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

Usually very sexy people. Everyone in our audience is extremely good looking so if I were you, I’d come down and check it out. It would reflect really well on you.

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

In 2013 we shared 2 bedrooms with 13 people. It was the first time I slept in a suitcase and I’m pleased to say, it wasn’t my last. Once you go pack, you never go back.

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

I have to say, seeing our poster behind a bin at the Brighton Fringe Festival was a really emotional moment to me. I don’t think anything will top that.

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

We’re really excited to see Jon Pointing’s show ‘Act Natural’. We saw a 30 min work in progress and it was a stupid funny.

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

Hopefully 3-4 inches around my middle. Those macaroni cheese pies won’t eat themselves!

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

We’ve signed a deal to do really bad shows at each other’s funerals dramatising our lives. We’re just hoping we don’t die together in a horrific accident, who would entertain the guests?

BOOK TICKETS FOR FISH FINGER FRIDAYS: FUN TIME FRIENDS, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Steve Bugeja

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© Edward Moore

Steve Bugeja returns to the Edinburgh Festival this year with an anecdotal show about a summer spent work at a kids camp in the US. Bugeja will be performing Summer Camp at  Just the Tonic at The Tron throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Being able to perform a show that I have worked hard on every night for a month in front of smart and appreciative audiences. Also it’s the only time of the year that I can eat a crepe every single day.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

My first Edinburgh show was in 2015 and was called Day Release and was about the time I agreed to pick up a friends dad from prison, on his first trip out in 18 years and bring him to her wedding.

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

I wouldn’t say so. I get a good range of ages. My mum does have a lot of friends who she sends to the show, so that does skew the average age upwards somewhat. 

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

I’ve actually been quite lucky with my accommodation. The past three years though I have stayed somewhere with no lounge, which is fine for a bit, but after a while your room feels more like a prison. This year we have got a lounge and I can’t bloody wait to sit in it.

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

Performing at The Melbourne Comedy Festival this past April was a real honour. We were so well looked after and I just had the best time.

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

Sarah Kendall, she has produced my favourite shows the past three years and I cannot wait to see what she does this time. 

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

A Brit Award and a Grammy nomination. Or failing that, a well received show and not too much debt.

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

What are you trying to say?  This is only my third, I’ve got loads more in me.  If you want me to leave just come out and say it.

BOOK TICKETS FOR STEVE BUGEJA: SUMMER CAMP, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Sleeping Trees

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Sleeping Trees (James Dunnell-Smith, John Woodburn and Joshua George Smith) are returning to the Edinburgh Festival with their three previous movie shows, Mafia?, Western? and Sci-Fi?. Directed by Tom Parry of Pappy’s fame, this high-energy group will be performing at the Pleasance Dome throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

It’s the only place in the world you can watch the best thing you’ve ever seen and the worst thing you’ve ever seen, potentially in the same day or even same venue. It’s a real mix of stuff. Which is brilliant.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

Our first Edinburgh show came up in 2009. It was our take on Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree. Except it was nothing like it at all. We hadn’t bothered to research the plot and messed about with whatever we did know. We were in the Hive (before it was cool) at about 2pm and every time we turned up to do the show they would still be hosing down the sick from the night before. We were so new to the game we didn’t even know to ask for donations after. Learnt a lot that year.

© Mark Dawson

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

We have been described before as alternative comedy with a broad appeal, which we like, we wouldn’t want to alienate any of our audience members to thinking it’s “not for them”.

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

One year the owner of the flat neglected to tell us that an Australian elf (his words) would be staying in the flat for a week. We were already cramped for space. However we ended up really bonding with him and were gutted to see him go.

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

The first year we went to Edinburgh we saw Suitcase Royale perform in the Pleasance Two and we loved it. It then became something of an aspiration to perform there. Four years later we did, and the first time we sold it out was unbelievable. Will always remember that feeling. 

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

There is so much amazing stuff to see this year. Hoping to catch Gein’s Family Giftshop, Jordan Brookes and David McIver. But I will definitely be catching Joz Norris as I met my girlfriend at his show two years ago so we go every time, and because he’s brilliant.

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

We are just hoping to give any one who missed these shows when they previously played the Fringe another chance to catch them or anyone who wants to watch them again. We aren’t eligible for any awards or anything this year which is nice. We can just enjoy a year in which we are just performing for the people. 

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

We always say we want each show to feel a bit grander than the last, so if we can keep coming up with stuff we will have to end of some kind of Evel Knievel jumping over a school bus type affair. It had better be funny.

BOOK TICKETS FOR SLEEPING TREES AT THE MOVIES AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Stephen Bailey

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© Steve Ullathorne

Everyone’s favourite sharp-tongued, loveable gossip returns to the Edinburgh Festival this year with his new show Can’t Think Straight. Stephen Bailey will be performing at the Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

I feel like the Fringe is the end of year disco. And then September you get to start a fresh and I love it.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

My first Edinburgh show was about how a boy broke my heart and broke me down. Woe is me. This new one is about finding the self confidence to be comfortable in my own skin again

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

I have a surprisingly mainstream audience. Everyone comes – male, female, young, old (71-year-old Bob in Southend is obsessed with me), straight, gay. I love it.

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

When a toilet exploded into the carpet and human faeces leaked into said carpet and the landlord wouldn’t do anything until we left at the end of August.

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

Finally feeling like I was being taken seriously as a comedian and I must say that came from Katherine Ryan very generously taking me on tour with her when no one else would have me.

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

Eggs Collective, Evelyn Mok, Ellie Taylor, Grainne Maguire, Jayde Adams, Charlotte Church and just when you think I only love women, I’m going to see the pro that is Rich Wilson.

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

I’d really like just to keep building that audience. I’d also like to eat a lot of takeaways with my roomie Jayde Adams. Just have a laugh. It’s a comedy festival.

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

I hope it never ends. But I’d love to be doing a show one day where we’re laughing back at how stupid we used to be at voting #Brexit #Trump.

BOOK TICKETS FOR STEPHEN BAILEY: CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017