Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Ellie MacPherson, I’m a NYC based comedian, actress and historian. Well, amateur historian. I mean I guess I have a history degree but my day job is being in The Play That Goes Wrong here in NYC.
How would you describe your show?
My show is a history of the US Presidents in story and song. I’ve been obsessed with the Presidents ever since I was a little girl (don’t worry! I had real friends too!) and I know too much about them. This show is me sharing all the weird stuff I know using popular music to tell the stories. Like did you know Jimmy Carter has gone on record as having seen UFOs? Or that Chester A Arthur owned 80 pairs of pants? Or that Abe Lincoln maybe had syphilis? See! Weird stuff!
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Some of my favourite performers and shows have started at the Fringe, it seems like the place where audiences go to see what is new and exciting. My show is kind of stand-up and kind of cabaret and kind of theatre piece. It doesn’t fit into any one particular box and I think the Fringe is exactly the place for pieces like that.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I’ve actually never been to any other festivals so I can only assume the ghosts that haunt Edinburgh? I feel like Edinburgh has a BUNCH of ghosts. That probably makes the festival very special. Also y’all I’m really afraid of ghosts. Is coming to Edinburgh a horrible idea? Am I going to get haunted? I really don’t want to be haunted.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I’ve been performing since I was 4 but I was motivated to create my own show by my friend Ashley Austin Morris. Ashley is a hilarious comedian and asked me to sing a song at her show, which somehow led to me talking my way into getting a time slot for my own show. The first time I did this President's show I didn't realise it was a comedy! Since then I would say I’ve been very inspired by James Acaster and Mike Birbiglia. They both make comedy shows that allow for space and more than just punchlines.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I come from a military family, and moved around alot as a kid. I used humour to fit in and quickly make friends. Then I could read all my nerdy little books and play my nerdy little games and not have to worry about being ostracised. (Wow did I mention I was in therapy? That is some serious self knowledge.) I was lucky enough to have a great education and then doubly lucky that I had a breakdown and didn’t initially pursue a degree in Acting. I got a History and English degree at a big state school and met people who weren’t just in the theatre and it was probably the best thing to happen to me. I would have gone my whole life thinking everyone knew every lyric to La Via Boheme from Rent. Turns out, they don’t. And that’s ok.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Seeing a production of Annie when I was 4 in a school cafeteria and my mom asking if I wanted to do that. I said yes and now I am deeply in debt from my Acting degree!
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Well during the pandemic I applied to Divinity School because I thought I should be a minister? I didn’t get in and instead I focused on my show and here we are. I still think I will end up in the ministry at some point. Just when I’m really really old and tired of going on the road.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
I’m tired all the time now, so my threshold for bs is really low. Honestly, it’s taken me a lot of time to work on this show. I’ve just been finding myself exhausted at the prospect. I’m in therapy don’t worry. But I do think that the slower pace during the depths of the pandemic has seeped into my being. I take more time with things. For good or bad I don’t know.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Fret, spiral, stew, go outside.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I don’t know that I can speak on art as a whole, but I think I personally try to make art that doesn't hurt people or make them feel small. One of my favourite moral leaders, Elie Wiesel, said “Never let a person be humiliated in your sight.” And I’ve tried to make sure that I treat others with dignity. But at the same time, I think we are all more resilient than we think. It’s true that as our daily life gets physically more comfortable even the slightest bit of discomfort feels like a knife. This is a long way of saying, punching up is better than punching down. Which is why I punch the presidents, they can take it.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Abe Lincoln. He had a great sense of humor. And he loved the theatre until, you know, it killed him.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Make friends! I thankfully have friends who have done the Fringe before, and I keep getting connected with friends of friends who are going. It’s nice to feel like part of a community and not be isolated. I’m also lucky enough to be bringing my band, director and producer over with me. I have so much respect for folks that are truly doing this alone, I don’t know that I could do it.
When and where can people see your show?
Underbelly Cowgate Big Belly August 4- August 28 every night at 21:30
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
My instagram @ellmac5, and my website www.elliemacpherson.com
Ellie MacPherson: Happy Birthday, Mr. President! is performing at Underbelly Cowgate Big Belly at 9:30pm from 4-28 August. For tickets and more information visit edfringe.com
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