Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m a foul-mouthed Canadian comedian living in London. I try to be “lady-like” whatever that is, but I’d rather just say the things we’re all thinking which is why I used to get my mouth washed out with soap as a child. I started comedy while living in Toronto, but absolutely fell in love with the comedy and audiences in the UK so decided to make the move across the pond.
How would you describe your show?
‘Losing Myself’, is my debut hour. I moved to the UK in 2019 in the hope to be part of the best comedy circuit in the world, and date the most emotionally repressed men in the world. I explain how I was a fat awkward kid from Canada, from a loud, chaotic family with an unhealthy obsession with romance and the idea of happily ever after.
Always the last one to leave the party, the first one to finish my wine, and the brunch guest with the best bad date stories, I was the hot-mess friend who was always up for a good time.
When the stages closed in 2020, I found myself living alone in London, 4706 miles away from any friends and family. The solitude forced me to look inward and make a decision about the direction I was headed. I speak on everything from death and dating to family, fear, and weight loss.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I’m excited to perform at Edinburgh Fringe because it’s the world’s largest arts festival, and I was absolutely blown away by the talent and scale of it when I first went. It’s not only a great opportunity to see some fantastic shows, but also challenge myself as a performer to create a solid solo show and perform it night after night.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Most other comedy festivals (in North America) are curated by one or two people. The great thing about Edinburgh Fringe, is that you get such a variety of acts and shows because of the format and inclusion of Free Fringe. Also just the scale of the festival sets it apart. It’s mayhem and I love it.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I wanted to be a comedian since I was a kid, but I never had the confidence to do it. Finally, when I was a bit (a lot) older, I questioned what exactly was holding me back and decided without telling anyone to secretly give stand up a shot – I was instantly in love and felt that it’s what I should have been doing my whole life. I grew up on loads of TV, so Saturday Night Live, sitcoms like Roseanne, Seinfield, etc. played a huge role in my love of comedy. I also remember seeing old videos of Eddie Murphy, George Carlin and Richard Pryor and being in awe that people could captivate others with just their words. Comedy is so beautifully simplistic and I’m a massive nerd for it.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
Of course, everyone is influenced by their upbringing – it’s why we all need therapy! I grew up in a big chaotic family where there wasn’t a big emphasis on education but everyone was always making jokes at other people expense so I developed a tough skin and a good sense of humour.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I grew up in a working class family with working parents who didn’t have much time or desire to explore the arts. So I guess my earliest memories would be museum field trips with my school or school plays where I was never cast as a lead in anything – they’ll regret it one day!
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I was an art-dealer in Canada and I have such a love of performing and visual arts. So, if for some reason I decided to give up comedy, I would get back into the art world and just surround myself with beautiful things.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
Shortly after lock-down began I decided to make some major life changes and I’m not the same person I was pre-covid. I’m brining a much more authentic version of myself to the stage than ever before and it’s allowing me to speak about topics that I was too scared to talk about before. It can be a bit daunting at times, but it’s challenging and exciting.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Leading with love and authenticity.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
Art has always pushed the boundaries, sparked conversations and encouraged debate because it’s rooted in truth and often pain so it’s going to inevitably ruffle some feathers. I think there are some people who deserve to be cancelled ie. those who use freedom of speech as a shield to spew hate, but it’s not so simple. Punishments aka being cancelled isn’t equitable amongst us and the reality is that it is largely dependant on the power you hold. Should art be exempt from cancel culture? No. Is cancel culture hugely problematic and full of grey areas? Yes.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I mean there is a long list of people I’d give anything to work with, but the person who first popped into my mind was Richard Pryor. He would school me on comedy and it would be a dream come true.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
I’m not sure that as a first timer I’m the best one to offer advice, but I think it’s about creating a show you love to perform and one you’re proud of which shows who you are as a performer. I think I’ve done that and I’m excited to show everyone.
When and where can people see your show?
I’m performing nightly 4th-28th August (not 15th) at 9pm at The TRON. Get your tickets here!
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
I can be found on all things…I also caved and got TikTok! I also update my website regularly - so that’s a great place for info too www.katebarron.ca
Twitter @Kate_barron https://twitter.com/kate_barron
Instagram @_KateBrron https://www.instagram.com/_katebarron/
TikTok @_KateBarron https://www.tiktok.com/@_katebarron
Kate Barron’s debut stand up show ‘Losing Myself’ is at the Just The Tonic – The Tron at 9pm from 4th – 28th August for tickets to go www.edfringe.com
0 Comments