Helen Duff’s talks about her new show Come With Me.
Tell us about your Fringe show
Come With Me is a clown based comedy show about my quest to have my first ever orgasm, live on stage, all whilst dressed as a sperm.
Best thing about the Fringe?
People are up for anything - which is definitely an advantage in the case of Come With Me.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Regardless of whether your show is a 5 hour rehashing of Hamlet or a synchronised swimathon, you'll try to convince people it's the best thing on the Fringe. That level of epic exception can begin to beggar belief.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I first came up with a crew from Uni - we put on an absurdist comedy review called The Cabaret of Menace, written by John Luke Roberts, with bits from Pinter and T S Elliot. I stood on an actor's knees unsupported in a very short 60s mini dress throughout one scene. It was pretty pretentious. I think we were 80% aware of that.
Favourite Fringe venue?
My venue Pleasance That is perfect for my show - teeny tiny so there's no option but to get up close and personal with my audience.
Best Fringe memory?
I set an audience member's hand alight on the Free Fringe last year - I was horrified - he thought it was the best thing that'd ever happened to him. Certainly added some heat to the grand finale!
Best heckle?
Performing in a busy pub beer garden, whilst dressed as a vagina, at 3pm in the afternoon, surrounded by screaming kids - the Mum's couldn't explain why I wouldn't let them watch the show.
Craziest on stage experience?
I think my shows start at the point which most performers would stop so as far as crazy goes I've got quite a lot to choose from - being rushed by 6 audience members determined to make me eat 8 mangos at once?
What’s on your rider?
In my first solo show, The Fringe First nominated theatre piece Vanity Bites Back, I made a cheesecake live on stage each night and had to melt the butter for the base on my body. Baby wipes became essential.
How do you wind down after a show?
I tend to do as many spots on other people's shows as I can - keeping myself busy helps take the pressure off that one, pivotal hour each day. Also, I tend to eat cereal in bed at about 3am.
What do you love about Scotland?
The North Sea - I go for a dip anytime, anywhere - last Festival I ended up on the Isle of Mull, freezing and full of joy.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The smell of butter beer that hits your from the brewery as soon as you arrive. I wish it tasted as good as it smells.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Admitted to an audience full of strangers that I've never had an orgasm and need their help to make it happen in the next 45 minutes? In my experience, the Scotts are pretty open and up for it and you have to be both those things to pull off a show like Come With Me.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Hopefully the very silly and slightly off the wall ones I make?
Favourite joke?
Depends who's telling it - I could watch James Acaster raise an eyebrow and walk away replete.
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Every year I try to convince the Edinburgh Fudge Kitchen I'm just coming in out of curiosity, oh, you do tasters? Alright, if you insist... It's been 7 years since my student days. I think they're onto me.
Helen Duff’s new show ‘Come With Me’ is at the Pleasance That, Pleasance Courtyard, 5.45pm 3-29th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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