The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is by far one of the most popular and excitable events to happen in the the comedy, theatre and arts annual calendar. Not only does it host established acts but it offers a unique opportunity for uprising talent to showcase their material and garner a wider audience whilst developing their underlying talent. Alice Fraser is no stranger to the festival having now embarked on her fourth outing, the Australian comes armed with her new material. Here she shares her thoughts on her attachment to comedy, the scene down under and her experiences both at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and elsewhere:- ETHOS: Edinburgh Comedy Festival
Humans have always been fascinated by non-human minds. From the Golem, to Frankenstein's monster, to artificial intelligence – computers who could think, and threaten civilisation. Imagine an AI: a brilliant but naive mind, newly created. Now imagine that mind learning about our world by watching a comedy show. Alice Fraser (The Bugle and BBC Radio 4) explains our society of contradictions to a new robot mind. A silly, funny, smart show that explores what it is to be human. 'A life-changer' ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). 'Inescapably funny.' ***** (Herald Sun). 'A sexy cerebral twist to comedy' *****(OUTinPerth). So Alice how and when did you get into comedy when growing up? "I didn't really have an interest in comedy, I used to listen to 'The Goon Show' on the way back from rowing on the weekend, I then moved onto 'Monty Python' and I would read a lot of funny books... I would have never thought about being a comedian, until I was one (laughs)" Most comedians admire other comedians past and present, are there any comedians you aspire to? "There is very few good comedians that I think I don't get inspired by, obviously you have people like Sara Millican but normally it's just good comedy that inspires me" Comedians either have a previous job or walk straight into comedy, could you tell us how you got into comedy professionally? "I was an unassuming lawyer by day... I went to the law firm everyday (and comedy of a night) and I thought if I keep on doing this, I'm going to die. So it was more of a self privilege that moved me into comedy. I did do a couple of corporate gigs, I would never do jokes during office hours, although there were a sort of few talent shows that I would go to with corporates permission. My senior partner was constantly saying things like 'tell us a joke' or 'that's not very comedian-like of you', I never felt very funny at the law firm" What is the Australian comedy scene like? "It's like a miniature version of the UK scene, there's much more openness to alternative styles of comedy, the ABC is doing good work there. But the mainstream comedy is more mainstream than the mainstream is here (UK) mainly because of what is on the main television networks. They're more restricted (Australia) in what their idea of comedy is I would say. In the UK people would go 'what shall we do Friday night?' and the options are lets go to the movies, the pub or a comedy show. That's not what most Australians will do, it's not one of the options available to most Australians. There's more people in the UK so therefore there are more comedy shows, I think in Australia if you want to see comedy you really have to make the effort." What was it like performing in the UK for the first time? What was your emotions like regarding performing in a new country for the first time? "It was lovely, was really lovely. I was so happy and excited. In Australia you wonder whether the comedy you think is funny will work over in the UK, when it did I was so very happy. I was interested to see how the audience would react, I was worried that it wouldn't go well, but it did and I've already done stand-up in New York... I did sketch comedy at university, then in New York I started doing stand-up. So I already had experience of doing stand-up in a different country and I figured that I had the skills to try something, but if what I was doing wasn't working, then I could at very least if I bombed it the first time, figure out what I could change and come back to give it another shot in another way" All comedians have their own style of comedy, what would you define yours as? "I would say I like to deal with difficult ideas, for me maybe comedy is about passing as many interesting ideas into jokes, trying to stop it in becoming a kind of pep talk" Being a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, what is about the festival that makes it special? What can attendees expect from your set? "I think that it is an agreement between a bunch of people that this fantasy city exists so much, there is no reason for it to be there it's just that everyone agrees that it will be and there's thousands of people show up. It's like a secret society or that it's some sort of magic spell where everyone decides its going to happen, so it happens. The great thing is you can see a lot of comedy, theatre, music, all going on at the same time, it's phenomenal. That they will get to see me on stages, I don't want to make too many promises in case I disappoint people. It's a double act with a robot talking about what it feels like to be human and I think it will be a lot of fun." Have you released any of your material on DVD? Are there future plans for any? Are you nervous about doing live recordings? "I have a DVD of a show I did a few years ago and I've also got my last show which is a trilogy coming as the last three shows, coming out on ABC as a podcast. I'm hoping to film more stuff in the future. Yeah I think I prefer to have it perfect, but it's important to give the audience a good show and I don't mind having some rough edges on a DVD because it makes it look more authentic." Alongside appraisal for your shows, what effects have they had on members of the audience? "I like it when people say I've changed their lives (laughs), that's always a good one. I had somebody tell me that watching my show has made them decide to quit their job and go into a career that she's always wanted. When people come back after many years and speak about the shows they've seen" Comedians tend to have some of their favourite jokes, what are yours? "Oh man! There's a joke that I did that regards a story about the time I did a TED talk, it's about three minutes without a laugh and is probably the most dangerous joke I do... there's no swearing in it at all, but because there's so much tension before the release valve comes off... I always like it when that joke works. I've got a joke that I do about my grandmother that I think makes a very good point about how the culture of hypocrisy I think, and then the rest of the jokes are just my one-liners - which I love to do." https://en-gb.facebook.com/AliceComedyFraser www.alicecomedyfraser.com
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"My main focus straight after the festival will be to get my sitcom pilot into production" The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is by far one of the most popular and excitable events to happen in the the comedy, theatre and arts annual calendar. Not only does it host established acts but it offers a unique opportunity for uprising talent to showcase their material and garner a wider audience whilst developing their underlying talent. Imran Yusuf became the first comedian to achieve the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nomination from the Free Festival in 2010 and the champion of the egalitarian revolution of the free scene. Here he shares his thoughts:- "Everyone is offended, everyone is a victim, no one is happy. Having made a career from challenging prejudice with witty rebuttals to humanise myself to my adopted countryfolk, I became bored of the assembly line nature of profiteering from victimisation. Is the problem of society really the right-wing media? Is it really the opportunistic demagogues seeking fame and fortune from the throngs of disaffected mouth-breathing underclass ignoramuses? Or is it the wanton disregard to take ownership of my own prejudices and admit that I have been as racist, sexist and homophobic as those I accuse of discriminating against me whilst screaming 'Woe is me, the pariah! I am not to blame; that is the fault of others whom serve me to overlook my own faults'. This is a no-nonsense show deeply cognisant of the shared human experience, of taking ownership of my own hypocrisy, realising that we become who we judge and accepting the bitter-sweet truth that from our tragic history has emerged an opportunity to embrace a greater potential. The Saint is all things Godly and good, The Sinner is all things devilish and bad. Between these two impostors, delicately oscillates the wandering, wondering path of masterful surrender…" Born in Kenya of Indian descent, Imran was raised in London by a family expelled from Uganda and yet became an original voice that embodies the multi-cultural wealth of modern Britain. After making his debut to critical acclaim and an award nomination in 2010, he went on to appear on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), completed two nationwide tours and fronted his own TV pilot The Imran Yusuf Show (BBC3) before starring as ‘Ed’ in sitcom Fried (BBC3) that began his entry into the acting world. In 2015, Imran hosted the first ever HaLOL comedy night which celebrates the growing talent of British Muslim comedy in the UK before becoming Director of HaLOL Entertainment, a role in which he aspires to create a more accessible road for minorities in the industry and to champion a more humanizing narrative amidst the sensationalist hysteria. GMA spoke to Imran to find out more about his choice of comedy topics, his forthcoming gig slot and his relentless travelling. VENUE: Studio - The Stand’s New Town Theatre, Freemason’s Hall, 96 George St, EH2 3DH TIME: 5:30pm DATES & PRICES: Thurs 2nd- Sun 26th August @ £10-£8 DAYS OFF: Mon 6th, Mon 13th, Tues 14th August TICKETS: 0131 558 9005 / www.thestand.co.uk _____________ So Imran, how does it feel to be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival once again? "I’m excited to do a full run again with a brand new show. As I’ve grown up, I now know how best to navigate the tempestuous emotional roller-coaster that the festival can be. I’m going up this year with a better balanced internal game so that I can endure it all and still thrive." What for you makes the festival special? Aside from your gig will you be checking out other performers? "It’s a bizarre world of dreams and art, just walking around the city for a month in this bubble of performances is a weird experience. I’m keen to see Gamarjobat, I love what they do. No doubt I’ll find some gems too from random encounters." Back in 2010 you performed on 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow', what was it like performing in the presence of McIntyre himself? How were you approached for it? "Michael was really kind and encouraging. I never thought that someone like me would ever be considered for a show like that, and whilst just hustling for club work I was seen hosting a small gig and off the back of it I was offered an audition." You’ve travelled the world quite a bit since birth - UK & USA most recently, would it be fair to say that comedy has reached greater international heights over the last few decades? "English speaking stand up is booming in India, Malaysia and Singapore and their scenes are becoming bonkers now. South Africa is another country where stand-up is booming. It’s fascinating watching local comics satirise their lives and politics with such passion rooted in both privilege and apartheid. I’ve heard the scene in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is exciting now, although that’s one place I’ve yet to visit." Being a Muslim, is it a bit touchy to pick Islamophobia and racism as topics for your stand-up routine? "A real stand up talks about what they know. Although I face prejudices in my life, I am also privileged in many ways too. My new show explores both my challenges and privileges." Do you have fellow Muslims comment on your material? Any negative criticisms (from anyone)? "Most Muslims like what I do, a few don’t. Some people write comments on my YouTube channel but I rarely have time to read them as I’m busy living my life and developing the next project." Aside from the Fringe, what are your plans for the year ahead? "After the festival, I’ll prep a tour for 2019, but my main focus straight after the festival will be to get my sitcom pilot into production. I want to make my sitcom and short films over the next couple of years and so am learning how to write, direct and produce by going through the process by collaborating with film-making friends." Imran Yusuf is at the stand Newtown Theatre, 5:30pm, throughout August. http://www.imranyusuf.com / TWITTER: @imranyusuf / INSTAGRAM: @imranyusufcomedy "I will always be grateful that I got to see Joan Rivers perform live in NYC before she passed away. What a legend!" The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is by far one of the most popular and excitable events to happen in the the comedy, theatre and arts annual calendar. Not only does it host established acts but it offers a unique opportunity for uprising talent to showcase their material and garner a wider audience whilst developing their underlying talent. If it's one thing the festival is mighty good at, it's bringing and showcasing the talent overseas. Heading to Edinburgh is America's own Tori Scott and her band The Shame Spirals, they come with credentials having sold out shows across the world, from her native USA to England and Mexico. She now comes armed and ready to conquer Scotland through celebrating her poor-life choices and unquestionably unconditional love for vodka. Through the use of music and comedy, Tori will set out to self-deprecates her way through an hour of sassy political commentary and shameless personal adventures. Through the music of Queen, Lady Gaga, Edith Piaf, Pink and more, she shares her own self-coping mechanism in dealing with her home-country’s ‘life crisis’ and being a female navigating her own way in New York. All of this, with a dirty vodka martini in hand. The Time Out New York’s ‘Top 10 Cabaret Performer’ has performed several times in London to critical acclaim and has graced the stage of the prestigious New York institute Joe’s Pub at The Public, who are co-producing this show alongside Robin Rayner (producer of Fringe First Award-winning Fabric), for the past five years. On television, she's counted to 20 as a singing garbage woman on Sesame Street and dubbed the vocals of a singing hooker on HBO's Cathouse: The Musical. Her debut album Plan B! was recorded live at Joe’s Pub and released on Chicken Ranch Records last December. VENUE: The Dairy Room - Underbelly, Bristo Square, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG TIME: 10:15pm DATES: Weds 1st August – Mon 27th August (not 8th, 15th & 22nd August) PRICES: Previews £6.50 / Weekdays £9.50 (£8.50) / Weekends £10.50 (£9.50) TICKETS: 0131 510 0395 / www.underbelly.co.uk GMA caught up with Tori to discuss the difference in attitude towards heckling in the USA and England, her upcoming slot at the festival and other 2018 plans. __________________________________ So Tori, how does it feel to be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? "I’m so excited!! I feel really prepared regarding my show, but I’m truly going into the unknown which is a suitable Fringe theme this year. I’ve never been to the Fringe and I’ve never even been to Scotland so I’m heading there thrilled for an adventure." What for you makes the festival special? Aside from your gig will you be checking out other performers? "The fact that this is the biggest arts festival in the world makes this a special and incredible festival! I will definitely be seeing other shows. How can you be surrounded by thousands of shows and not see anything? I will probably get my show off the ground and in a groove first and then start seeing things throughout the day and on my days off. I’m actually overwhelmed with how many shows I want to try to catch." Mixing comedy, acting and music together must be tricky at times? But it seems you nailed it well with your 'Tori Scott: Thirsty!' tour, what was the reception like? "This is a formula that I’m very comfortable with having grown up performing in musicals. I’ve been working with my New York based musical supervisor and arranger, Jesse Kissel, for 10 years now and we have a really nice method to our madness mixing comedy and the music together. Because we trust each other so much, we know when things are being forced versus when it will be a nice unexpected surprise for the audience. The first Thirsty tour I did was a great success, but I still felt like it needed some tweaking. So #Thirsty that is playing at the Fringe is a fun, updated version. We’ve cut some stories that started to feel dated and gave it a bit of a face lift. I’m really happy with it and I’m so thrilled to perform for the Edinburgh audiences and see what they think!" Is it true that in America, heckling is frowned upon whilst a performance is going on? If so what was your thoughts when coming to the UK for the first time? "I think heckling is just different in the US. Why would you want to go to a show just to then scream things at the person performing? I’ve performed in a lot of bars in New York and have had plenty of drunk people scream at me while on stage. But, it’s never been vicious which I feel heckling tends to be. They just want to be a part of the show. They sing along to the songs loudly. It’s annoying as a performer, but you also like that they are having such a good time. The problem I have had lately at shows are people getting really drunk and just TALKING LOUDLY to their friends while I’m performing. I’ve actually been to other shows where people have had to call out audience members for having loud conversations during the show. I mean, it’s like they are watching TV in their living room and there isn’t an actual person on stage?? But, regarding the UK, I’ve performed quite a bit in London over the past year and have had wonderful experiences. I actually did have one issue where it ended up being a table of Scottish guys. But, they weren’t heckling, they were loudly conversing about how they were enjoying the show…which was really hilarious. I can’t wait for more of that!" Would you agree that comedy and music are ways to escape the crazy world we live in? When you're not on the road, what do you do to keep yourself busy? Any hobbies? "I think comedy, music, and theatre are not only ways to escape the crazy world, but a great way to observe and comment on the crazy world. Hobbies?? I’m just trying to hustle and pay the bills! But, when I do have time to sort of relax, I love reading and cuddling with my cat. I get really obsessed with documentaries on Netflix…especially murder mystery ones. I have a lot of great friends in New York that I try to catch up with when in town and make them cook for me. I did try to get into cooking, but that didn’t last long. I hate following recipes and I don’t find it relaxing. Maybe I should take up knitting?" When growing up were there any musicians and / or comedians you looked up to? How did you get into music, comedy and acting? "As a kid, I loved musicals. I was a big Patti LuPone fan! I loved Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz and then as I got older I loved Judy Garland in everything. I’ve always been obsessed with Bette Midler and Carol Burnett. When I was in high school and then college, I got into comedy. I became a big fan of Margaret Cho and Sarah Silverman. And I will always be grateful that I got to see Joan Rivers perform live in NYC before she passed away. What a legend!" Aside from the Fringe, what are your plans for the year ahead? "I’ve got a fall residency ahead at Joe’s Pub at The Public in NYC and will also be taking #Thirsty to a couple cities in the US like Boston. I have a Christmas tour in the UK for my show “Vodka is the Reason for the Season” and hopefully a tour for #Thirsty in 2019! And at some point in between all of that, I hope to have a personal life!!" Tori Scott Is #Thirsty is at the Underbelly, Bristo Square, 10:15pm throughout August http://itstoriscott.com / TWITTER: @ItsToriScott "It’s been a challenge to dig the funny out of all that and try and make it suit my voice" - (Scott on topics like guilt and anxiety) The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is by far one of the most popular and excitable events to happen in the the comedy, theatre and arts annual calendar. Not only does it host established acts but it offers a unique opportunity for uprising talent to showcase their material and garner a wider audience whilst developing their underlying talent. Scott Bennett has been chosen by Chortle as this year's 'one to watch' and you can see why when he goes about talking about the sacrifice, support, love and discovery he has made whilst going through the decision to adapt which ultimately affected his life and his family's lives. Through his craft he has rapidly established himself as one of the fastest rising stars on the UK’s comedy circuit today. Securing a nomination at the 'Amused Moose Comedy Awards' in 2015 was at the very start lead him to go on to a support slot with Michael McIntyre and at present supporting his comedy hero Rob Brydon on his latest national tour. Scott has also contributed to the Panelbeaters podcast, BBC Radio 4's News Quiz and is currently writing for Chris Ramsey’s new Comedy Central series, The Chris Ramsey Show. He has also written for Jason Manford.. Scott Bennett is set to deliver his 'Leap Year' set at the following time, dates and venue:- VENUE: Just the Tonic - Mash House Snifter Room, 37 Guthrie Street, EH1 1JG TIME: 5:55pm DATES: Thurs 2nd-Sun 26th August (not 13th) PRICES: £5 in advance, or Pay What You Want at the venue TICKETS: 0330 220 1212 / www.justthetonic.com/edinburgh-festival/ GMA spoke to Scott about his forthcoming appearance at the EFF, what this means for him and what amazing things happened between the time he got into comedy and at present. __________________________ So Scott, how does it feel to be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival once again? "It’s great, I’m really excited! Since my last time in 2015, I’ve had kids, left my day job and committed to comedy as a full time illness." What for you makes the festival special? Aside from your gig will you be checking out other performers? "It’s a trade fair for comedy. I love being able to walk to gigs and catch up with colleagues properly rather than just a brief chat in a service station on the M6 as we dash around the country. I love the variety of shows up there and the undiscovered gems that take us all by surprise. I have my young family with me for the entire run this year so I’ll be having a very broad fringe experience, from kids shows to stand up. I’ll definitely squeeze in seeing Glenn Wool, Tom Stade and Scott Capurro though!" What is your style of comedy for those who don't know your material, and will there be a mixture of old and new at Edinburgh? "I’d say my style is classic observational comedy. Although this year there is a departure in terms of the content. It’s the most honest show I have ever done; I take on subjects such as anxiety, guilt and the reality of juggling comedy and family. It’s been a challenge to dig the funny out of all that and try and make it suit my voice, but I’m hoping I’ve pulled it off! It’s a brand-new show and I’m hoping to surprise a few people with the messages and honesty in it!" What was it like working alongside Michael McIntyre for his 'Work In Progress' shows in London? Surely when you were confirmed to be his support act you must have thought 'I've made it'? "It was like watching a masterclass in observational comedy. These were his early routines, some of which he was doing from notes and they were so beautifully sharp and performed to perfection. He’s an inspiration to me; his work ethic, the ability to wring the funny out of every situation and make it look effortless. There is a reason he is at the top of his game and has been for so long. He’s our Seinfeld. I was one of three other acts including Russell Kane, Keri Godliman and Ed Gamble. I was definitely the ringer on that line up. I got the spot from them watching a clip of me online. It was so surreal. My wife was due to give birth to our second child the same day, but she told me to go, “I can have this baby anytime but this is Michael McIntyre!” What a woman! It was a great opportunity, but I think I am a better comic now than I was then. It wasn’t an easy gig - they were there to see Michael, not me!" In 2017 and early 2018 you supported Rob Brydon on his national UK tour 'I Am Standing Up', does this surpass supporting Michael McIntyre or is it on par with? "This was different but equally wonderful. I tell the story about how this came about in my show. Rob is a comedy hero of mine, bizarrely it was the first live gig my wife and I went to as a married couple in 2009. She had bought me his autobiography and had it signed. I had just started stand up, literally the night before that show. Eight years later I took the same book along when I first met Rob, and he signed the other page. It’s something I’ll never forget! I’ve learnt so much from watching him every night. The stage craft, the ability to put on a true one-man variety show and to do it completely clean. He’s a genius." What got you into writing for the 'News Quiz' on BBC Radio 4? What challenges (if any) were you faced with? "I just asked to come and do it! It was only a writers trial and I’d love to do more. I had written on many topical podcasts and for other comedians such as Jason Manford. I was also one of the writers on the latest series of the Chris Ramsey Show. The News Quiz was the most challenging however, I had to work really hard to create jokes from some of the political stories that week. I remember it was the time where Carillion had gone bust so it all felt a bit bleak. It is testament to the skill of the writing team they have there that we managed to pull together a really funny show. I also loved writing in Miles Jupp’s voice, it’s much more high status than I am on stage and it enabled me to write jokes I wouldn’t necessarily be able to get away with myself. I loved every minute of it!" Aside from the Fringe, what are your plans for the year ahead? "I am looking forward to next year. I have written a couple of sitcoms which I am working to try and get developed, that’s really exciting. I will also be filming the next project my wife and I have written (she’s a great comedy actor) following on from our last two projects “Caravan of Love” and “Pillow Talk”. I will also be writing my 2019 show and trying to put together a little tour too! I also will have a family holiday at some point as I think we could all deserve it after a month at the fringe!" Scott Bennett: Leap Year is on at the Just the Tonic Mash House throughout August |