Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello dear reader. My name is Helen Bauer I am a stand-up comedian and a completely basic babe. Also consider myself a good friend, a frigid lover, and an okay daughter – in that order.
How would you describe your show?
Madam Good Tit is my second full show. It is an hour about self-confidence, self-esteem and self-care. It’s the year of ‘self’ so I am taking it very literally. Taking care of yourself has never been more ‘in’. Inspirational quotes and facemasks are a big industry and, like all my basic friends, I am trying to ‘be the change I want to see’. However self-care like everything else is a money-making business. These self-care influencers get you when you are down and you are truly stuck. I have lost so many hours watching Yoga With Adrienne and I am really not convinced ‘putting yourself first’ is the best option for wellness.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Edinburgh Fringe for me is the most exciting place to be in August– so many wonderful shows all in one city happening 24/7. I am a natural attention seeker so any chance to put on a show I have to be there. I also just love performing full hour shows and Edinburgh is the only place you can do that every day for a month without anyone questioning your sanity… well maybe not anyone but for sure not everyone.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
First of all the sheer amount of people from every corner of the globe. It’s not just a festival for big operas or for new magicians or TV comics. It’s for everyone at every stage of their career. There really is such a diverse range of things to watch and you just do not get that anywhere else in the world.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I am stand-up who got into comedy through watching sitcoms. It is not the most traditional route, but I grew up with French and Saunders and loving Julia Davis, Chris Morris and Steve Coogan. As a teenager, Michael McIntyre arrived on TV with Road Show and I remember someone showing me a clip in class and I couldn’t believe how great it was. It took me a while to get started but at 24 I jumped in and have not looked back!
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I have a very artistic mum, well, self-proclaimed artist but all the same, she ran a drama school from our house whilst I was growing up in Fleet, Hampshire. So lots of drama all the time. My dad, well he works in sewage and has always said if it all goes wrong I am welcome there, so that’s nice. I really think a lot of what I do is trying to prove to my school drama teacher that it was a mistake not putting me in the school play.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I have a friend who remembers getting her nappy changed which to me is amazing but also just odd. I wish I could say walking in the park with my grandpa but the first time I ate a penguin chocolate bar and the first time I found masturbation would be two very clear highlights.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
If I was more petit then for sure a princess at Disney World, alas I am 6 ft 1 so probably a very enthusiastic midwife.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
It has only because of the fear of everything going away, so there is a more immediate energy into saying everything I want to but
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Good but no Disney World. (I always dream of going to Disney world, I am that adult!)
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
No. If something is just plain cruel and illegal no matter in what industry there should be repercussions. We all need to just make sure with comedy we are being funny and not mean, if you can’t do that then it will be tricky.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Victoria Wood and why??? Hmmm can I just because VICTORIA WOOD AGAIN. That being said a cameo on Partridge would make so many dreams come true.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Very simple advice but have a show you want to ‘show off’. Fringe is fun but it is difficult and very competitive. Go to take something you want people to see, it’s hard to figure it out once you are up there. To quote Scar from the Lion King, ‘Be Prepared.’
If you are there, you will need a moment – walk away from the city. Running into people when down is not good for the soul. If you run into someone else walking out of the city, nod and wink at them then walk away.
When and where can people see your show?
5.40PM Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker Two at 5.40PM every day except August 17th.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Instagram and Twitter @HelenBaBauer and everything is on my website including tour tickets at https://helenbauer.co.uk/
Helen Bauer’s new stand up show ‘Madam Good Tit’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Bunker Two for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
0 Comments