Twayna Mayne’s new stand up show ‘Black Girl’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard – This for the month of August so we caught up with her to talk about her debut.
Twayna Mayne by Steve Ullathorne
Please tell us about your brand of comedy.
It's usually based on my life, thoughts and experiences. There'll be some absurd bits thrown in too but most of it will be based on fact. I'm also quite sarcastic and deadpan.
What can audiences expect from your new show?
An interesting premise, with jokes. Some sarcastic observations that are also funny. A good enjoyable hour.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?
I grew up watching French and Saunders on telly as a child who I thought were hilarious. I also enjoyed watching Marx Brothers films and anything with Gene Wilder in it. There are elements of deadpan in all of those things which I like.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
People who start running for the train in the morning when they see other people are also running in the same direction. People shouting at supermarket self service machines.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
The best moment was when I told a heckler to fuck off and then a moment later he was kicked out of the club. The worst moment/s are when you don't quite die on stage but you don't smash it either. It's a mediocre experience for everyone, thankfully they don't happen too often.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
Yes.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
It's great showcase for all types of comedy and for someone like me who doesn't watch that much it's a good way to see lots over a few weeks.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
I wouldn't mind seeing Hannah Gadsby, she does good deadpan. I saw Ali Brice do 10 minutes recently and that was one of the funniest things I'd seen in a while. He was dressed a monk and the audience weren't sure what to make of it, I liked it a lot and will probably check out his show too.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
Write five minutes of what you think is funny, learn it and go and perform it. Nobody will laugh but you'll have done it. If you can deal with how awful and awkward it feels to have no one laugh, go and do to again. Keep doing until people laugh. If you're still doing it regularly after a few years and people still aren't laughing, stop.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
I don't really get heckled much, I tend to ignore everything coming from the audience that isn't laughter. Responding to hecklers only causes more problems.
What is next for you?
A long holiday somewhere hot would be nice.
Twayna Mayne’s debut stand up show ‘Black Girl’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard – This for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com