Juliette Burton talks about her new comedy show Decision Time.
Tell us about your Fringe show
It’s a totally true-life docu-comedy show about decisions and whether one choice can change a life. I’m terrible at making deicsions. Most of my decisions throughout my life have been made for me – my mum decided what I’d wear, my sister decided what music I’d listen to, my teachers decided I’d not come back to school after my first hospitalization due to mental health conditions and the authorities decided I should be sectioned under the mental health act. Now it’s time for me to make my own choices and choose my own adventure. And I have a HUGE decision to make in my life right now. I know it’s time to make some good life choices, but how?! My decision to do my first Edinburgh Fringe back in 2011 changed my life; and that wasn’t a conventional life choice to make! My show will help me make up my mind – although let’s face it, I’ve changed my mind in a very many ways already!
Best thing about the Fringe?
It being in Edinburgh – my favourite city in the world. I moved there because I fell in love with it thanks to the Fringe. I moved away last year and I pine for it every day! Roll on August; a whole month in my spiritual home.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Not having any time to enjoy being in my favourite city in the world.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
My first fringe was 2005 – when I was a reviewer, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 I was an actor. In 2011 and 2012 I performed in shows I had written as one half of Mace and Burton. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 I have performed in solo shows. So 5 years as a comedy writer performer and over a decade as a Fringe Fan.
Favourite Fringe venue?
I have to say the Gilded Balloon, where I am performing at 4.30pm throughout the month. They are a great team there full of super supportive people. Although my favourite venue for Fringe drinks is usually Joseph Pearce’s bar – which used to be my local.
Best Fringe memory?
Being an official sold out show last year was a pretty awesome time.
Best heckle?
I don’t tend to get hecklers at my shows – I must attract a different kind of crowd. But my good friend Laura Lexx handled a heckler very well earlier this year; find the video on YouTube!
Craziest on stage experience?
At Adelaide Fringe earlier this year at my last show the projector bulb broke halfway through – my show relies upon projected images! As it was my last show I acted out everything that was supposed to be onscreen including singing Lady Gaga songs I don’t know the words to. Not a single audience member left and I received a standing ovation at the end. Best. Show. Ever.
What’s on your rider?
I haven’t yet been offered a backstage rider, but if I were I’d ask for Sugar Free Red Bull. And a glass of pink fizz afterwards.
How do you wind down after a show?
Usually chatting to audience members who care to hang around and chat. Usually in a bar. Usually drinking pink fizz.
What do you love about Scotland?
HOW MANY MINUTES HAVE WE GOT?! I miss living there so much. Scotland has wild beauty, irrepressible passion, knowing cheekiness, an admirable self-aware attitude, and a respect for its history combined with a firm belief in its future. As well as Edinburgh, I’ve also performed in Glasgow, Aberdeen (where I return in October), Inverurie (where I return in July for a preview) and in beautiful Craignish earlier this year. Scotland constantly surprises me and I can’t wait to continue to be surprised.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE WE GOT?! I miss living there so much. I used to live near Elm Row – Leith is such a great place full of amazing bars. Stockbridge has some of the most relaxing streets I’ve ever walked down. The Botanic Gardens are unbelievably beautiful. Bruntsfield has some fab shops and coffee places. Overall – the views, the bars, the people. The affect Edinburgh has had upon me, my own independence, my own self-belief. It’s the only city I walk down the streets in my mind and feel a passion rise up in my gut and to my heart. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I ate haggis neeps and tatties on Hogmanay in Edinburgh before having a blazing row with the man I loved on the streets as fireworks exploded all around me after one too many beverages. I may or may not have been naked. This anecdote features in my show – if you want to know how it ended!
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Scottish crowds tend to be very intelligent I find. At least the Scottish crowds I get to meet. I did a work in progress show at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in April this year and they were totally into the progressive thinking aspect of my show; Scotland is a forward-thinking kind of country.
Favourite joke?
I’m too critical of my own jokes to pick a favourite from my own. But my favourite joke ever? The Muppet Movie (original). Kermit is navigating while Fozzie drives a car. Kermit: Bear left! Fozzie: Right frog!
So simple and effective.
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Best breakfast in Edinburgh has to be Broughton Street Deli. Best Bloody Mary is at Joseph Pearce’s bar. Best cocktails.
Juliette Burton’s new comedy show ‘Decision Time’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Wee Room at 430pm each day for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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