Name: Brett Goldstein
Show name: What is Love Baby Don’t Hurt Me
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: 1st – 26th August
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I used to put on plays in the living room with my sister. Then, when I went to university and did plays up in Edinburgh. I’d secretly loved stand up and wanted to do it but was too scared. After that, one day I thought I’m not getting any younger and tried it and was hooked forever. This year is my 4thstand up hour show.
Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
It’s a show about love, sex, porn and addiction. It is a look at what love might actually be examined through a true story from my life.
How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I’ve been working on it for two years. I usually do a new show every other year because I don’t want to bring up something that isn’t ready and these things take time to build. I think being honest about what happens in your brain in relationships and sharing the highs and lows of it are always relevant. We all go through things and any time you can illuminate something that someone else feels, it means we are not alone and less mad than we thought. Or something like that.
Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
For performers. Don’t read reviews. Try to leave the city at least once and remind yourself there is a world outside. No matter how small your audience is, they are there, so make sure you make them feel wanted.
For visitors, remember that it’s meant to be exciting. If you bring love and energy to a show you will have an amazing time. If you sit back and wait for things to impress you, you might see a less good version of that show. It’s a two way street, so buck your ideas up sunshine!
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
In the middle of a playI was in, I had a line about being in a nightmare written by David Lynch. At that exact moment, the door to the stage opened and a little person standing on a trolley entered by mistake, walked through the scene and went off the other side. It looked like it was part of the show but they were just looking for a toilet. As it was a play we had to just pretend we hadn’t noticed. But, we had. Believe me. Everyone had.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
I love Tim Vine. I wish I could remember to perform with as much joy in my heart as he does every show. What a gift. Sometimes you can forget how lucky you are, and you must always remember that this is actually brilliant to do and a real pleasure.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Lots of toilet and pacing and jumping up and down.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Luke McQueen and Lou Sanders because they are always surprising and electric and live and frightening.
Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
I’m not sure I do. I hope they do but I’m sure there’s other things to see. It depends what you’re into. If you like your comedy confessional and open and naughty and sad, then come see me. But if Tim Vine is on, go see him.
_____________________________________________________________
Buy tickets to West End theatre shows (some great discounted offers)
Subscribe to my mailing list for all the latest theatre news, special offers and competitions
FOLLOW WEST END WILMA TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE