Interview with comedian and author Grace Campbell

"My family are Scottish and so I have a huge affinity with the country, and with Edinburgh. I love the way Edinburgh hosts the fringe, it’s like nothing else in the world."

Interview with comedian and author Grace Campbell

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I’m Grace Campbell. Comedian, author, performer, and life-changer. 

How would you describe your show?

My show is called A SHOW ABOUT MEn. The title says a lot. It’s about my lifelong obsessions; me and men. It’s about how I’ve realised that I was too obsessed with men, and why this can be problematic. I’d say it’s up there with the best thing I’ve ever written. 

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Because it’s fun, it's a great experience, and I can flirt with other comedians. 

What differentiates it from other festivals?

Well it’s like the entire city is a festival. My family are Scottish and so I have a huge affinity with the country, and with Edinburgh. I love the way Edinburgh hosts the fringe, it’s like nothing else in the world. 

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

I’ve always been hilarious. It would be a waste not to make the most of that. My inspirations were endless but I love Tracey Beaker a lot.  

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

Well I grew up in politics, but went to a state school. I grew up around a lot of politicians but my school wasn’t one which had that same hierarchy so I don’t think I was that aware of the power structures of the world my parents were working in. 

In terms of my creativity it’s given me a lot of material to play with. I also don’t take much too seriously so that’s helped a lot with my comedy. 

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Being told by my art teacher that I was so bad at art she wouldn’t teach me if I took it for GCSE. 

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

I’d be on OnlyFans.

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

No it’s just made me a bit more energetic. From such a long time inside I’ve got so much more I want to do. 

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Hot

Cold

Wet

Dry

Moist.

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

Erm not really. I think that people who spew hate and incite violence of any kind shouldn’t be exempt from cancel culture. 

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

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. 

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

Don’t think that the fringe is the be all and end all of comedy, because I know financially it can be a drain. But if you’re going to do it – try not to get too wrapped up in reviews and awards etc. Enjoy it, use it to become the best comic you can be. Make friends with other comics that you will spend the rest of your career picking up while they simultaneously do the same for you!

When and where can people see your show?

Every day in August at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, Nightclub, at 7pm. 

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

@disgracecampbell on Instagram and tiktok

@gracecampbell on Tiktok


See Grace Campbell: A Show About Me(n) at the Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 3-29 August. For more information and tickets visit www.edfringe.com or www.gildedballoon.co.uk

Header Image Credit: Sarah Harry-Isaacs

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

We need your help supporting young creatives

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by Tom Inniss

0 Comments

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now

You might also like

Claire Irving on how the East Leeds Project responds to community needs through creativity

Claire Irving on how the East Leeds Project responds to community needs through creativity

by Sienna James

Read now