Yve Blake discusses Ewan McGregor, Kim Kardashian and turning lies into musical comedy.
Tell us about your Fringe show
It’s called Lie Collector. Basically, I have asked strangers to answer my question: What’s the worst lie you’ve ever told?
Then, I’ve turned these true stories into musical comedy. And Costumes. And Dancebreaks.
I collect most of my stories online at my website WhoWereWe.com where people can send me their confessions anonymously.
It’s a bit decadent, a bit disturbing, and includes a gown made out of pizza.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
Technically I did the Fringe when I was 19 in a free venue, BUT this counts as my first Fringe where the stage isn’t sticky, so I feel like a king. a luxurious king.
Best live act seen at Fringe?
Ever? Dr Brown or Suitcase Royale. This year? I have to recommend Emma Sidi. Only just found out about her but she’s a marvel and she's going to smash it this year.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Jacket potatoes and new friendships. Or as I call them FringeShips. The ships that never sink.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
When Ewan McGregor isn’t anywhere to be found.*
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
When I was a teenager I briefly made jewellery out of crisp packets which I’d shrunk in the oven. Maybe scaling that business?
What do your family think of your show?
They like the costumes. Especially the gown made of pizza.
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
Dance like you’re 6 pints in and you’re trying to impress a sexy stranger.
Worst on stage experience?
I’m a musical comedian, but my instrument is my computer (as in, it plays my backing tracks which all contain many instruments). I perform with it beside me on stage, and one time I went over to find that it had completely crashed. Glitchy screen AND the spinning rainbow cursor that only means trouble. I had to fill for 5 minutes while I turned it off and on again, I spent most of the time pointing out how ironic it was that I’ve chosen the internet & my computer as my partners in crime only to have them both kick me in the face.
How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?
I definitely don’t have a set of any kind of stock replies or preparation. I do have a lot of squirty cream on stage though… so maybe that’ll come in handy?
What do you love about Scotland?
Ewan McGregor.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
Ewan McGregor.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Ewan McGregor.
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
Ewan McGregor.
Favourite joke?
Kim Kardashian.
* This is a picture of the last time I was In Edinburgh and Ewan McGregor bought me the castle here and it came with a free Calvin Harris:
Yve Blake will perform at the Pleasance Dome on August 11-16 and 18-31.
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