Interview with cabaret performer Ellie MacPherson

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I’m Ellie MacPherson, an American (sorry) cabaret performer and amateur Presidential historian. I was last at the Fringe in 2022 with my show Happy Birthday, Mr. President! which was about…frogs. I’m kidding, it was about the US presidents. I can’t seem to stop doing shows about these dudes (all dudes, what a bummer). Maybe one day it won’t be all dudes and then I can stop doing shows about them.

How would you describe your show?

If Abraham Lincoln had written a cabaret about his early life, this would be it. After all, he did love the theatre.

What is your favourite part of your show?

I mean I don’t want to spoil anything, but I did learn how to walk on stilts for this. Abe was tall! 6’4! Wait, do we measure height the same as you? He was tall, like Greg Davies.

If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?

All Star by Smashmouth. Only shooting stars break the mould!

Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?

That Abraham Lincoln told TONS of poop jokes. And that our broken hearts can help heal our political divisions. But mostly the poop thing.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?

The quality of the shows along with the sheer volume of shows is unmatched. I love the Fringe because it allows you to do weird stuff. My show is a mix of cabaret, theatre, and comedy. Anywhere else I would be afraid that it doesn’t fit into a neat categorical box. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe HATES boxes.

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 love walking tours. Give me a 2 hour walking tour of a historical spot led by someone even nerdier than me and I am one happy woman. Also Edinburgh has amazing coffee shops and even better sweet treats. I can not wait for my first latte at Black Medicine Coffee. I love a tray bake!!!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh?

Define what you want out of it before you go. Do you want to just get reps of a performance in? Do you want to expand your circle? Do you want reviews? Success looks different for everyone, and there’s no one way to skin a cat. ew don’t skin cats.

What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Would love some more vegetable options. Dang it's a lot of sausage.

How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?

My entire family is in the military except for me, but I thankfully have parents that supported my passion even though they didn’t really understand it. Even though we moved a lot they prioritised finding theatre classes for me (mostly so that I would have friends, I was waaaay too weird for normal kids). And when I was feeling very lonely I would read history books and pretend to go back in time. In university I studied History because history is just drama in disguise. But people look down on you less when you say you have a history degree.

Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?

I read book after book and fret for months and don’t write anything and then I get myself a performance date and then I back myself into a corner and have to write at the last possible minute and It’s absolutely a terrible process that I would recommend to no one.

I perform and write solo but I rely on my music directors and directors to help shape and sharpen what I say and sing.

What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?

I just like making people laugh. It’s where my great gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. Ok, that’s a Frederick Buechner quote but amazing if I had come up with that on my own right?

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?

One time my lovely technician Max had to kick a drunk guy out who decided he wanted to be onstage with me. US History has enough drunk rude men, we didn’t need his input.

What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?

My last venue at the Fringe was the Underbelly Big Belly. Which is a spooky huge space under a bridge. It was cavernous and damp and I loved it. But definitely super haunted.

Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?

I love musical theatre and Tom Stoppard. Indie music from the 2000s-2010s, Jackie Kennedy’s 1962 White House Tour, Monty Python.

Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?

Most people tell me to slow down.

Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?

I will see any show produced by Stamptown. They are the funniest, weirdest group of people I know and I can’t wait to see their line up this year.

When and where can people see your show?

At 16:35 at the Attic in the Pleasance Courtyard!

And where can people find you online?

On Instagram: @ellmac5

Ellie MacPherson: Babe Lincoln

4:35pm Pleasance Courtyard Attic 31st July - 25th August