We create all of our work as an ensemble; writing, editing, rehearsing and directing together and so (for the most part) we have really similar tastes when it comes to comedy. When we go to shows together we tend to chuckle as an ensemble too! Our routes in to this business were varied and that’s reflected in our major influences.
Just These Please
Georgie: I am OBSESSED with French and Saunders and all their glorious ridiculousness. Watching clips from their eponymous sketch show back in the 90’s it’s brilliant to see two women just being silly. You didn’t often see grown ups behaving like that - especially not women – it was totally pioneering.
They are so wonderfully surprising and weird and silly and never afraid to make fun of themselves, and that’s something we try to emulate. Even when they’re doing these big budget, extravagant sketches, at the heart of it there’s this feeling that you’re watching brilliant friends messing around, just trying to make each other laugh.
Philippa: Melissa McCarthy. What a woman. I could watch ‘Spy’, ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘This is 40’ and ‘Identity Thief’ again and again! She is a hilarious improvisor and a brilliant actress and I feel like I learn a lot watching her. A lot of my comedy influences are American. Oh boy I do love Tina Fey. I have listened to Bossypants so much I feel like if I ever met her I’d say ‘AGH HEY FRIEND’ and she would say ‘Oh. Oh dear stop that. Stop hugging me, stranger’. They both inspire me a huge amount and make me feel confident in investing all our time making comedy videos and writing silly sketches!
Will: This is a bold stance but I think James Acaster is great. I first saw him after he released Repertoire on Netflix and couldn’t deal with it. I’d never seen a series of stand up shows that were equally hilarious and narratively dynamic. Not only is he well good at writing jokes and that, his attention to detail is almost as silly as his shirts. The pleasingly odd turns of phrase he uses alongside really well refined observation means he never wastes a second on stage without a laugh. It’s incredible and one of those shows I keep watching over and over again (I’m a freelancer).
Tom: Will and I spend most of our time speaking to one and other in Billy’s voice - or singing ‘If It Wasnae Fer Yer Wellies.’ I grew up in Scotland watching Billy Connolly from a young age - probably too young considering all the swearing and mentions of bums. His gift for storytelling, his cheekiness and his charm make him incredibly engaging to watch. He has been a part of my comedic backdrop whenever I come to write or perform and means I often try to pop a Connolly-esque character in to our show. There’s nothing quite like an angry Glaswegian having a wee shout.
Just These Please are performing their show Suitable at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019, for tickets please see www.edfringe.com.
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe