Tamsyn Kelly: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019
Who? Tamsyn Kelly
What? Petroc
Where? Just The Tonic at The Caves – Just Up the Road (Venue 88)
When? 20:00
What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?
I’m super excited! This year I’m telling my story, which is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ve never had the confidence or felt ready. So I’m excited that I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to talk. Of course with that comes huge trepidation, you feel very vulnerable putting your life out there for everyone to see. Hopefully the excitement and trepidation will balance each other out.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
My show this year is about how I got to where I am right now. I grew up on a council estate in Cornwall, people from my situation just don’t end up becoming comedians. It made me look back at all the obstacles that I had to overcome to get here. We had no money, my Mum’s in a wheelchair, and my Dad was a violent guy. It might sound shocking, but where I’m from that was normal. What shocks me is how I’ve even got here!
What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
I mean jokes about coming from a difficult background are never easy, but there’s a bit of a surprise at the end of the show! I don’t want to give it away, but it does involve a dance. I’ve been learning that bit since March, and every time I do it I feel like I’m getting worse.
Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?
Yes, the more you go, the more it feels like home. It’s easy to get swallowed up in reviews, ticket sales, other people’s shows (I could go on), but this year I’ll just be concentrating on enjoying every show as much as possible. And trying not to fall on my arse at the end.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
I feel duty bound to plug my director/boyfriend’s show: Andy Field’s Funeral. Not only is he dying for his art, he’s also got some great funnies in there.
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
Thorpe Park. I love it there.