Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I started many years ago as a dedicated attention seeker, then I was an unpaid actor (see: barista/dishpig) for years, then fell into sketch comedy and found myself on stage by myself doing stand-up ten years ago. And now I get to do my dream job (which I used to think was the ultimate nightmare job) all the time around the world.
Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
To be honest, this is the first year that I’ve just put an hour of jokes together. There’s no real theme. No meaning. You don’t learn anything. There’s no gimmick, and I ask myself no real questions. My goal is to make people laugh for 55 minutes. WISH. ME. LUCK.
How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I’ve been writing this material for 18 months. So I hope it’s nice and shiny by the time it gets to the big ‘Burgher. Asking why my material is relevant is a strangely confronting question. Ummm, because I talk about instagram, and how to keep your relationship fresh with cultural insensitivity? Ha.
Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
Accept that you will cry at least once over the festival. Make sure you eat at Urban Angel in the New Town for a late breakfast. There are a bunch of indoor pools that are old converted Victorian buildings – they’re heated and beautiful. The one at Haymarket is a secret treasure.
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
Last time I was in Edinburgh, a woman in the audience yelled out that she was a virgin. And I’ve never “understood” a person more. She was very much me as a late teenager. Inexperienced. Extroverted against her better judgement. And a drama student just trying to find out how to be comfortable in her own skin. Note to self: yelling out you’re a virgin does not help.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
I love Maria Bamford and Bridget Christie because they’ve just always done their great, weird thing and they’ve finally been recognised for it. They’re amazing and hilarious and brilliant. Also Katherine Ryan because she’s a boss ass bitch all the time.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I go to the toilet about three times. I try to remember that my job is to have fun. I usually have a brief moment where I want to run out of the venue, and then as soon as I’m on stage BOOM! it’s all fun from there.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
So many. Suzi Ruffell. Rose Matafeo. Nish Kumar. Rosie Jones. Kate Berlandt.
Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
I have low self-esteem so I don’t know if I’m the best person to ask that question. Google my last show’s Edinburgh reviews…they probably say it better than me.
FELICITY WARD: Busting A Nut (9pm, Pleasance Courtyard)
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