Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi! I'm Ginny Hogan, and I'm a writer and stand up comedian. I live in NYC with my cat.
How would you describe your show?
I'd describe it as a coming-of-age stand up comedy show. It's an hour-long story of me learning to abandon my over-analytical mindset (among other things) as I grew up. Mostly, though, it's a stand up show. I try to keep the focus on the jokes.
What is your favourite part of your show?
I tell a story about leaving a bag of shit in my fridge overnight; that's probably my favorite part.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright, because that's essentially the lesson of the show—to learn to think less. Also, because I hope the show is alright. Better than alright, even!
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
My number one goal always is to make the audience laugh. After that, I hope it leads the audience members to go a bit easier on themselves. It's a show about how we never really have all the answers, and all we can do is just keep going.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
I think Nate Silver would be funny because I make fun of him a lot (it's a show about data). He's such an unexciting celebrity, though, I'm not sure the audience would even recognize him. So other than him, probably Taylor Swift.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I've gone to Fringe twice and loved it! It has so much energy, I feel like I'm in Disney World for comedy. But in a good way. And I want to meet other performers and make my show better, so Fringe felt like the perfect opportunity.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Definitely the longevity - it lasts a month, which is so much energy for people to keep up. And the fact that people come to Edinburgh from all over the world.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I haven't done it yet, so I'm not sure there's anything I'd change. Maybe I'd make it cheaper (all I've done so far is pay for things).
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I studied math in college and worked as a data scientist in San Francisco for many years, which is a lot of what the show is about. Aside from giving me content, it's also given me perspective—I see things in a very analytical way. When I write jokes, I go through them after and try to cut as many words as possible. I'm obsessed with "elegance," which is something that's oft-discussed in mathematical proofs; boiling something down to its shortest form. I also think the reps I had to do as a math student cross-apply to my stand up career. When in doubt, I just get on stage.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
The laughter! It's an addictive feeling. And I'm a recovering addict, so I really lean into it. I had a friend once say she thought stand up comedy was good for sober people because it gives you the same buzz. I can't say that I totally agree, since it's also intense and nerve-wracking, but the laughter definitely does something to you.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
I once cried. I don't know. It was a room of all men, and someone said no one wanted to hear about my vagina. It just really hurt my feelings. They probably all thought I was PMS-ing which, to be totally honest, I was.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
I once performed on a private island off the coast of Connecticut. No regrets, because it was my highest paid gig ever - the Labor Day party of this hedge fund billionaire. But they hated me. I made them uncomfortable by calling them out for being rich, which is so insane, because it was a private island. To be honest, all my friends thought I was going to get murdered. I didn't though. And I got paid a lot.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
Sometimes audience members will approach me after and tell me which jokes the audience did and did not laugh at, which is just like...I heard. I don't think my most useful feedback has come from audience members, to be honest. I try not to get too in my head about the response that one individual show gets.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?
I'm not there yet so I don't know, but I'm excited about this King Arthur's Nose hike. I love hiking.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
So many! I don't think I'll even know until I'm there. I want to go to one or two a day.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh? If you’ve never been before, what would you say has been (potentially) the most useful?
Definitely try to save money for it, and book your lodging early.
When and where can people see your show?
The Gilded Balloon Teviot, every day (except the 14th) at 13:40. Please come, I'd love to meet you!!
And where can people find you online?
I'm ginnyhogan_ on Instagram/Twitter, and ginnyhogan on TikTok!
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