Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi reader, I’m Grant Busé. I’m a comic, musician and a filmmaker. You may remember me from those 4 episodes I did on Neighbours a decade ago. Just like The Simpsons my career peaked early and I should have been cancelled a long time ago. I like long walks on nudist beaches and world peace.
How would you describe your show?
A hilarious and nostalgic musical extravaganza. It’s an in-depth deconstruction of the good old days and our selective memories.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
This show was meant to be performed at Edinburgh 2020. COVID had other plans. Like a ghost, I’ve got unfinished business.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
As far as I’m concerned, every other festival is training for Edinburgh. It’s the big one. Literally and metaphorically.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Before comedy I was doing musical theatre. I ended up getting into a production of Mikado with Colin Lane (Lano & Woodley) and David Collins (Umbilical Brothers), two comics I always had admired. I started creating a 5-minute set and performed it to the cast at intermission and got some supportive feedback from Colin and David. Fourteen years later (with a few breaks) I'm still doing it.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I went to an all-boys catholic school. Trauma and bullying are the building blocks of comedians.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Eating Play-doh. The yummiest flavour is green.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
For the last few years, I’ve been working as a carer and disability support worker on the side. I think I’d head into music therapy of some kind. That or join the competitive eating circuit. I’d definitely win the Play-doh category.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
Well since this show has been cancelled eight times, yes, I approach all shows now with a large dose of scepticism. Every time I get on stage, I’m relieved rather than stressed.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Well that happened fast.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
Artists need space to be bold, edgy and push the boundaries. That doesn’t give us free reign to be needlessly cruel. I don’t think comedy needs cancel culture though. If it’s not funny - people just won’t come back. By that measure, every comedian eventually gets cancelled. Usually, a comedian leaves the spotlight and returns to the shadows after they start making jokes about their spouse. It’s the circle of wife jokes.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I’d like to produce rap tracks for Shakespeare. I reckon that guy would have bars and spit fire.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Be precise in your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. Make a killer show. Sleep in and eat well. Enjoy the experience and the friends you make but don’t forget to network between drinks.
When and where can people see your show?
My show is Grant Busé: SentiMENTAL from 3–29 Aug (no 15th) at 8:30pm at Gilded Balloon.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
You can like me, follow me and poke me. I’m also available on social media at @grant_buse (TT, IG, TW, YT, FB)
Grant Busé: SentiMENTAL!, Gilded Balloon, Teviot (Nightclub), 8.30pm, 3-29 August (not 15). For tickets, visit: https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:4413/
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