Have you ever experienced a gig so bad that you can now laugh about it?
I have a memory of performing at village festivals, outdoors, for families. None of the comedians were aware that their jokes had to be kid-friendly. In the beginning, I only had five minutes for jokes and no alternative, gentler material. The audience was roped off for a dog show later on, so people had to watch from a distance of about 10 meters. There were only five people behind the ropes, one of them in a Peppa Pig costume who heckled the entire show. After just five minutes of performing, the crowd fell silent, and when another performer used inappropriate language, the show was cut short.
Can you tell us about your upcoming show, “(Role) Model”?
The show is about 55 minutes long, possibly longer with a larger audience. I want it to feel like a fun conversation with a toxic best friend. It also explores the idea of becoming an overnight sensation or gaining fame for dancing with your parents. I delve into the contrast between who I want to be and who others expect me to be, questioning why neither seems achievable.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I find myself repeating “I don’t want to do this” and “Why am I doing this?”
What sparked your interest in comedy?
It seemed like the perfect blend of performing, making my friends laugh, creative freedom, and receiving positive feedback, which is awesome.
What inspired you to start sharing sketch comedy videos online?
Rejection from contests led me to create my own sketches to prove them wrong. I embraced the challenge of TikTok during lockdown as a way to pursue my comedy aspirations.
Is your first TikTok video still accessible?
Absolutely! It’s a masterpiece. Check out Window Cleaning Wake Up Video for a nostalgic TikTok experience.
With over 2 million followers, how do you navigate that level of popularity?
Understanding the authenticity of those numbers is tricky. It can be overwhelming, but on a daily basis, I try to forget about potential recognition in public. I maintain a character online, adding another layer of disguise.
What’s the oddest fan encounter you’ve had?
Some fans approach me as if we have a personal connection, mistaking me for someone else. It can lead to awkward moments of mistaken identity.
Which TikTok video are you most proud of?
I particularly cherish a video made with director Andrew Nolan. It was shot and edited to high standards, and the effort shows in the final product. Check out this video with 1.2 million likes on TikTok.
Have the opportunities from your online audience aided your comedy career?
Definitely. Despite initial skepticism towards my online work, having a large following has helped change perceptions. People are recognizing the importance of an online presence in today’s entertainment landscape.
What lessons have you learned from stand-up comedy?
Embracing imperfections can resonate with audiences.
What excites you the most right now?
I’m thrilled to be fully engaged in something I love — comedy. Plus, I’m appearing in a cat litter commercial next week, which means spending time with an adorable professional cat named Tom.
Source: www.theguardian.com
