Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi there, we’re Crybabies. Without doubt one of the UK’s narrative sketch comedy trios.
How would you describe your show?
The Thing meets The Wicker Man meets When Harry Met Sally. It’s a sci-fi infused surreal narrative sketch show about hope, love, monsters, mystery and massive regret.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
An irrepressible desire for stress and financial oblivion. But ASIDE from that, we haven’t been up to the Fringe since 2019 and didn’t want to miss it kicking back to life this year.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
As Hugh Jackman would say, it’s quite simply the greatest show, man. The sheer scale of it gives it this amazing buzz and it still feels like one of the few places where aspiring acts can make their mark. Also, it offers one of the best kebab shop to person ratios of any major comedy festival.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
As well as sharing a love for Tim and Eric, Eric Andre and The Zucker Brothers, we were first inspired by The Simpsons. The way those early seasons skewered film and TV tropes really appealed to us. That’s why our first show Danger Brigade was essentially a surreal mangling of Where Eagles Dare with pregnant tables and grieving moustaches.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
We first worked together at the University of East Anglia. Having come from fairly scattered corners of the country, it was the first chance any of us had had to make stuff with people who shared our comic instincts. It’s safe to say that if we hadn’t met there, Ed would be in middle management, Michael would be in upper middle management and James would be missing presumed dead.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Ed played a peacock in his school nativity aged 5. We think the premise was that Mary and Joseph, turned away by every inn in Bethlehem, started asking exotic animals for a bed instead. Ed’s big line was, ‘’you can’t stay here, you’re too scruffy.’’ He brought the f***ing house down.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
We can only assume we’d be screaming at teenagers online / in person.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
The Zoom years were a low point for us here at Crycorp. After struggling to get stuff written, we now exclusively work IRL. That being said, we spend most of that time behind laptops or on our phones because THAT’S art.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Only five you say? Well -
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Pierce Brosnan circa 1997. Specifically, Tomorrow Never Dies. He drove a car with a phone for God’s sake!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the Fringe?
Go once. Go cheap. Then never go again. We did the free fringe back in 2019 and it allowed us to make something a bit more experimental. It’s important to weigh up the risks involved, especially the financial ones. But if you’re as stupid as us then go for it. The good news is lots of Edinburgh coffee shops give away sugar sachets for free.
When and where can people see your show?
5.50pm at Pleasance 10 Dome 3rd-28th August. But not the 15th. Please do not come on the 15th. We will not be there.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
We’re @crybabiescomedy on Twitter and Instagram.
Crybabies: Bagbeard is performing at Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 5.50pm, from 3-28 August (not 15). For tickets, visit https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/crybabies-bagbeard-0#overview
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