Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Ted Hill, I’m a 30 year old multimedia comedian who specialises in high energy nerdy stuff with powerpoint.
How would you describe your show?
A very silly, very overelaborate attempt to explore what it means to call yourself normal or weird.
What is your favourite part of your show?
My finale, which uses more robotics than I really thought I’d be using at the start of the project!
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
It would be the sort of song that at first sounds a bit too weird, but then you realise it's actually really good. Now that I'm saying that, I can’t think of a single song where that’s the case, but I know that there are some! If you're reading this, get in touch and give me some suggestions!
Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?
That being weird is good, and is a worthwhile thing to not only accept being, but to try to be.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?
I love the Fringe because of its sheer scale, the number of performances you get to do, and the crazy bubble that surrounds both audiences and performers while in Edinburgh.
How does performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe compare to other festivals or venues you've experienced?
The Fringe is by far the best. To get to do so many days in a row at the same venue and the same time is the perfect way to stress test a show.
How has your experience at past Fringes influenced or changed your approach to this year's performance?
Oh yeah big time! Last year I felt like I didn't prepare well enough – I saw some other shows that had been worked on so hard, so I started working on this show on the train back last year, and it took at least 4 times the amount of time spent on the jokes, visuals and tech elements.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?
Apart from the obvious answer of seeing shows and hanging out with friends, I like to get up before all the performers are awake, and walk around town listening to a podcast. It’s quite nice for connecting you to the real world.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh?
Don’t expect it to be a success the first time you do it, but do it nonetheless!
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I would subsidise travel and accommodation costs for performers and audience members. I have no idea who would pay for that or how they’d do it, but I WANT IT DONE!
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I often like to talk about topics I first learned about in school when I’m doing stand up.
Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?
I use a lot of powerpoint in my comedy, so often what I do is open up a powerpoint document and then let my mind run wild. But I wait for the first grain of an idea to come to me first, then I use that powerpoint time to flesh it out.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
The instant feedback you get on if something is good or not, and of course the dopamine rush from getting all that attention.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
I was once performing at a fancy ball at university, and Stephen Hawking was watching me from a distance, and after about a minute he turned around and left. I suspect he and I had different senses of humour.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
I have done a couple of shows in a church, where I took full advantage of going into the pulpit. It was great, more comedy shows should be performed from directly above to mimic the heavens.
Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
The biggest influence on me has been Bo Burnham, and the thing I admire most about him is how many different ways he’s able to get a laugh.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
After a preview, someone came up to me to tell me I had to change a joke because ‘kids these days don’t know about Saddam Hussein’. I have not changed the joke, but do think about that comment a lot.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
I always love seeing Mat Ewins at the Fringe, but also like to go and see non-UK artists that I wouldn't get to see otherwise.
When and where can people see your show?
14:40 at Assembly George Square
And where can people find you online?
I’m on Instagram @thetedhill and you can find out more about me on my website tedhill.co.uk
Ted Hill: 110 Percent Normal
2:40pm, Assembly George Square Studio Four 31st July - 26th August (not 13th)
Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ted-hill-110-percent-normal
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