Ashley Blaker - the UK’s only strictly orthodox Jewish comedian heads to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I am the UK’s only strictly orthodox Jewish comedian. Not sure if there are others in the world in fact. I’ve not be performing very long though. Before that I was a producer and writer for TV and radio.

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
The show is about how I went from being a secular Jewish TV producer to being strictly orthodox and not even owning a TV (it’s forbidden!). And considering how crazy my life is now, hopefully I’ll be able to explain why on earth I still do it.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I wrote it in June while in New York so not a very long time in the making.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I like to empty my bladder just before I go on. Always worry though that one day I’ll forget to zip up my trousers.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
So many. Love Kieran Hogdson and I think Max and Ivan are peerless.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
There’s definitely no one else like me at the Fringe. I’ve spent the last few years playing shows in UK, USA, Canada, Israel and South Africa but it’s exciting to come and perform for the non-Jewish audience for the first time.

See Ashley Blaker: Observant Jew at the Underbelly throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1st – 26th August.

_____________________________________________________________