© Steve Ullathorne
Rachel Jackson’s debut Edinburgh hour is described as ‘part biopic, part therapy,’ with the comic bringing her endearing openness along with hints of instability to effortlessly charm audiences. Jackson’s show, Bunny Boiler, will be at the Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 1, throughout August.
The fact the craziest and most ambitious people in the industry all gather in the best city in the world for three weeks and absolutely destroy themselves doing what they love. And the fact it’s my hometown is the cherry on an already very exciting cake.
2) What is your first Edinburgh show about?
This is my debut and is a longer and more refined version of my first Edinburgh show which was called ‘Memoirs of a Bunny Boiler’. It’s about my outrageous love life and is me playing an extremely heightened version of myself. It’s like a mixture of comedy and theatre so hoping it will attract fans of both genre. It’s just nuts!
3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?
Mental people! Just people who are really liberal and open minded are my best audience as my comedy is quite out there! But strangely relatable.
4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?
Luckily for me I stay with my parents for the month of August as it’s where I grew up and they still live there! My worst nightmare would be having to share not just a room with someone but a bed. I’ve heard true Edinburgh Fringe horror stories and think some companies treat their talent disgracefully. I know people are trying to save money and keep to a budget but surely people would be happier each having an air bed/sleeping bag than having to literally share a bed with strangers! Like come on! It’s 2017!
5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?
Having my own mini series with BBC Three. The coolest thing is they spotted me when my show was only 30 minutes and on at the Free Fringe. What a confidence boost that was I can tell you – especially in developing it into a full hour. It’s just cool to say you’ve been the lead in your own creation! I’ve also been nominated for a couple of best newcomer awards this year which has been great!
6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?
There’s a few such as Susan Riddell, Joanne McNally, Tiff Stevenson, Abi Roberts and Michael Redmond.
7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?
A best newcomer nomination would be nice! Think folk are lying if they say it wouldn’t be an amazing feeling knowing people liked your work. But really and truly coming out not totally bankrupt is more important. I owe a lot of people money and it’s getting outrageous.
8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?
Come on what kind of depressing question is that to ask a comedy newcomer with their whole career ahead of them??! If I die during this Fringe I’m holding you personally responsible.
BOOK TICKETS FOR RACHEL JACKSON: BUNNY BOILER, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL