Interview with comedian Gabby Killick

Gabby Killick is bringing her show GAME OF THONGS to Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Gabby talks to us about her love for Britney, what she’d be doing if she wasn’t a comedian, and offers some great advice to future comedians.

Interview with comedian Gabby Killick

Hello!

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

My name is Gabby Killick, and I’m a part-time superstar, full-time wannabee! 

How would you describe your show?

It’s the show that puts the joke in woke! GAME OF THONGS is a high-energy performance packed with twists and turns. The show is a large cocktail of stand-up, audience interaction, sketches and songs. The theme tune is  “Masturbation In Isolation” I’m sure you will be able to relate! In the show, you’ll also meet a couple of characters like Chardonnay, the seductive wine bottle, Covid, the trolling disease and Tinder, the App that can't stop wanking. I mean, there really is something for everyone, but maybe don’t bring your kids?

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Because I’m really into losing money… and then there’s the possibility of becoming a huge star. 

What differentiates it from other festivals?

The variety of artists that attend is massive. You can be in the circus tent one moment, watch a puppet show, take a salsa class, swing by and catch a comedian, sit down for a play, and that’s all before lunchtime. It's completely hectic but equally as magical. It gives my heart a warm, fuzzy feeling for the whole 30 whole days. We have performers and audiences from around the world coming together and who are dedicated to celebrating weird & wonderful entertainment.

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

I’ve always been in the industry. My mood swings as a teenager were Oscar-worthy, and my cries as a baby were songlike! No, I don’t think there was a particular “Eureka” moment when I thought, “ah yes, I’ll join the most competitive industry on the planet; that will definitely work out for me.” I’ve sort of just carried on doing what I loved as a child. Getting into costumes, taking on a character and pairing it with a questionable accent. Fast forward six years, and I'm still doing exactly that, only this time I'm on stage in front of a room full of people. Inspiration-wise, I’ve always loved watching clips of Robin Williams. His repertoire of comic creations is incredible, and the speed at which he can transform from one character to another is amazing. He really inspired me to bring a theatrical element into my shows. 

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

Sorry, no sob story here! I was very lucky and surrounded by a supportive family. They always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. From an early age, my dad gave me a great piece of advice: "the harder you work, the luckier you’ll get.” So I’ve always pushed hard to reach my goals and create my own luck. I’ve had many part-time jobs over the years, call centres, retail, waitressing, and nannying, to name a few, and my employers have always been very aware of my performing aspirations. Kudos to them; they’ve always tried to make it work within the company. For instance, if I needed to leave early to get to a gig or needed a day off for rehearsal, they always tried to accommodate me. I mean, they probably did secretly hate me!

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Making up dances with my sister & cousin to Britney Spears hits and then forcing my mother to watch. I really committed to the role once & snogged my wardrobe to mimic the Madonna & Spears kiss. I thought everyone would love it, but it didn’t land in the room for some reason. It was then I knew I was destined for great things!

If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Making it big on Only Fans. I would be so good at it, but unfortunately, once you get naked, you can't go back, so I going to save it for when I’m older and saggy and give zero fu**s. 

Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now? 

I don’t think I’ve changed, but I think the audience has. This side of the pandemic, audiences’ are rooting for the performer. It’s more “ yay, we want you to be good” rather than “try and make me laugh”, which is a cosy feeling but will probably change soon. 

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Well, that’s impossible. Instead, I will write my most used sentence of the last five years.

“It's not that deep.”

Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’? 

Yes! John Cleese said it perfectly in an article recently, “Cancel Culture is killing creativity.” I fully agree. I talk about this topic a lot in my show, so come and see GAME OF THONGS to find out more. 

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

Charlie Chaplin, Britney Spears (in the “Slave For You” days) & Robin Williams. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

Once you get the cash together, don’t overthink it, just go for it! Don’t go expecting anything, just have fun doing what you love and go and watch loads of shows. You’ll have a great time! 

When and where can people see your show?

At the Wee Coo in Underbelly George Square tent, from 3rd to 29th August* at 7:20 pm. (*Not on the 15th)

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

Website: www.gabbykillick.com

Instagram: @gabbykillickperformer

TikTok: @gabby_killick

Facebook: gabbykillick


Gabby Killick is performing at the Wee Coo in Underbelly George Square tent from August 3 to 29 August at 7:20 pm. For tickets and more information, visit edfringe.com

Header Image Credit: Shannon McHugh

Author

Saskia Calliste

Saskia Calliste Voice Team

Saskia is the Deputy Editor of Voice and has worked on campaigns such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and Anti-Bullying Week. Outside of Voice, Saskia is a published author (Hairvolution) and has guest featured in various other publications (The Women Writers’ Handbook/ Cosmopolitan/ The Highlight). She has a BA in Creative Writing and Journalism and an MA in Publishing. She is a mentor for Women of the World Global, has guest lectured at the University of Roehampton and has led seminars/panel talks on Race, Equality and Diversity. She was a 2022 Guest Judge for Dave (TV Channel) in search of the 'Joke of the Fringe'. She is 27-years-old, based in London, and loves to cook and explore new places in her spare time.

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