Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Jake, a stand up comedian from Stevenage. I was part of the Soho Theatre Young Company and the Penguin Random House Official Audiobook of the Fringe. I’m doing my debut show Sky at the Pleasance Courtyard.
How would you describe your show?
A story about moving home to the suburbs interspersed with thoughtful observational stand up. It’s like an episode of Malcolm in the Middle (zany characters) crossed with a David Lynch film (lots of rats).
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Because of the stress free format of the festival and abundance of cheap accommodation.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I think the true all encompassing madness of it makes it special. It takes over the whole city 24 hours a day and that’s quite compelling in the way that a train crash or a gazelle being eaten by a lion is compelling.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I got a Lee Evans stand up DVD for Christmas when I was a kid and that was it really. I lost my shit watching him and Peter Kay and I think that was what planted the seed. Simon Amstell in my teenage years and Kevin Bridges generally are people I think are incredible that I would love to emulate.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I went to the University of York and that had an impact on my artistic career as I met about 100 men named Hector or Oscar or Marcus and I learned key Rugby phrases that make normal people laugh when you do them in a kind of Tim Nice but Dim voice. Thanks lads.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Fucking hell bit deep. Honestly not sure. I have a vague memory of catching my Nan smoking and her saying it was to “warm her up” as it was cold. Maybe that?
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Due to serious inefficiencies in the football scouting system of North Hertfordshire I never made it at an academy but if I wasn’t working at a grant making charitable organisation whilst doing semi confessional, semi observational stand up on the side I’d be playing centre mid for Stevenage.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with adifferent mentality now?
Let’s just settle for the trite observation that the absence of comedy made the heart grow fonder and I’m more grateful when I’m able to do it now
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Hairline and bonce irrevocably fucked
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I subscribe to the idea that this is the most boring debate on earth being fought by the most tedious and worst dressed people on earth via the medium of the worst podcasts on earth in order, largely, to make money from sponsors that make nootropics and pillows.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick andwhy?
Derek Accorah. Legend. Next.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Remember to enjoy it. Do it to feel the sensation of being on stage and making people laugh and don’t expect anything else.
When and where can people see your show?
I’m in Bunker 1 at the Pleasance Courtyard at 8.40pm
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
@j_akefarrell for Instagram and Twitter.
See Jake Farell: Sky at the Pleasance during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 3-28 August. For more information and tickets visit www.pleasance.co.uk www.edfringe.com
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