Jenny Bede’s new comedy show ‘Eggtime’ will be at the Pleasance Dome for the month of August so we caught up with her to find out more about the woman behind the microphone.
Jenny Bede
Please tell us about your brand of comedy.
A friend recently described it as ‘classy dick jokes with the odd political rant’. I’m quite happy with that.
What can audiences expect from your new show?
I talk about wanting a baby and not having anyone to have it with. Expect to learn more about my vagina than you thought you wanted to.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?
As a musical comedian, Tim Minchin is someone who I really look up to. Also, Lonely Island have been a big influence. My favourite ever comedian is Maria Bamford, who I’m sadly not remotely similar to, but I love that she talks about honest ugly stuff, and this show is starting to explore a bit more of that.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
FARTS. There is absolutely nothing funnier than a fart. Any type, any flavour, any length, any pitch.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
Any time I perform at Angel Comedy is normally a pretty great experience. The audiences are always so up for it, you can come away feeling like a bit of a rock star. SPOILER ALERT - I am not a rockstar.
I think my worst moment was in 2014. My friend and fellow comedy performer Brendan Murphy and I did a show which was way too adventurous for the incredibly basic free fringe space we were in. Every time we turned our backs another audience member snuck out, till it was just a family of 4 watching me simulate oral sex. A bleak moment. I should say, it was also very underwritten. There’s nothing worse than an audience see you lose faith in something you’ve written as you’re doing it. It’s like someone looking into your eyes as you slowly soil yourself. I imagine.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
Finally, I don’t. That’s taken years. I’ll still be a bit nervous playing huge audiences…. I had my first gig at the Comedy Store recently and that got me very jittery. But on the whole I can be pretty casual these days. It’s lovely; gig nerves used to make me hate the whole process. I would be in a bad mood all week knowing I had a gig. But having more confidence now without doubt elicits a better response from the audience. It’s a bit of a catch 22 - if you’re nervous, they get nervous.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
Because its a really great place to find out who you are as a performer. It’s difficult anywhere else to do 25 shows on the trot, and you come back a much better performer than you began. Anything goes, no one wants you to be anything in particular. So you have the freedom to be and do whoever and whatever you like.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
My biggest tip would have to be Suzi Ruffell. She is just my favourite ever stand up. Comedy is subjective but I’d say she’s almost objectively funny. And she’s likeable and relatable, and you’ll come away feeling like you’ve got a new best mate.
I’ve also previewed a lot this year with the wonderful Rachel Parris, and I think her show is going to be brilliant. Lastly, a character comedian called Freddie Sandilands who makes me snort-laugh.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
Allow yourself to be terrible for the first 50 gigs. Do whatever you can to fake confidence. Always have snacks in your bag.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
I boy that I fancied when I was 13 came along to my last show and fell asleep in the front row. That was a silent, yet devastating heckle.
What is next for you?
Well, I’ve just won the BAFTA Rocliffe new writing award, so I’m going to try really hard to get my script made! I’ve got representation over in LA, so I’ll be spending some time over there after Edinburgh.
Jenny Bede’s new comedy show ‘Eggtime’ will be at the Pleasance Dome for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe