Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Tom Lucy. 25. Comedian. Boyfriend. Son. Friend.
How would you describe your show?
I’ve had two major life events happen to me recently and the show is about those two things. I won’t tell you what they are because I want to keep some mystery and make you buy a ticket.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The money. I’m motivated purely by cash. And because Edinburgh is like the Olympics for comedians. It’s hugely stressful and hugely rewarding.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I think the size of it. There’s so many shows and, I know this is a rather old fashioned approach, but it does still feel like if you have an amazing show it will change your life.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I have always wanted to be a comedian, from as far back as I can remember. Then I started doing it when I was 16, at school, and never really looked back. I loved people like Lee Evans, Billy Connolly and then later on Michael McIntyre and Jack Whitehall. I also can remember being very young, 10 or 11, and watching a lot of Woody Allen films and being obsessed with those. Maybe that’s something you can’t admit anymore, but I did love them.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
My upbringing was one so far removed from comedy or show-business. My dad was in the army and my mum had various jobs but none of them anything like what I’m doing. So I think when I went in to this industry my family were very confused. They’ve always been supportive but they just have no idea how any of it works. But I was lucky that I had parents that made me feel like I could go for it and not be scared of failing.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I loved art at school. I made a ceramic jug when I was about 7 and took it back home to my parents and tripped on the way in to the house and it smashed.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Maybe teaching. I don’t know. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve always liked the idea of moving somewhere really remote and running a coffee shop. Somewhere hot. I’d be selling coffee in Buenos Aires, something like that.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
I just think I’ve changed quite a bit as a person over the last couple of years and that has been reflected in my stand up. I think my stand up is a lot more honest now. It’s much more who I really am off stage.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I think it’s important to be open. I try to write from a place of being open to all ideas. Then I work out later on which ones resonate best with audiences. But maybe you’re asking the wrong person, I’m certainly not a controversial comedian.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
So many people. At the moment I’m obsessed with old videos of David Bowie so maybe him. I don’t know what we’d do together. Maybe a sketch group.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Do it but only do it when you think you really have a good show. It’s too stressful andexpensive to do it if you’re not really bringing something worthwhile.
When and where can people see your show?
9.45pm at the Pleasance Courtyard, every night.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
I’m on everything. Just search my name.
Tom Lucy: Melt is performing at Pleasance Courtyard 9:45pm from 5-28 August. For tickets and more information visit edfringe.com
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