Interview with comedian Patrick Susmilch

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I’m Patrick Susmilch. Just a lil baby coming to your Fringe for the first time!

How would you describe your show?

It’s a comedic solo show exploring the period of my life when seven friends died in ten years. It’s an exploration of grief and growing up told through a series of screenshots of texts with my dead friends. It’s got a memes, too! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. Occasionally at the same time!

What is your favourite part of your show?

You can’t ask me that! It’s like asking someone to pick a favorite child.

If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?

“Bombs Over Baghdad” by Outkast. I was at a wake for a friend and this song came over the speakers. Having a catastrophically ass-shaking song blast during a wake is the best way to honour the dead.

What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?

Modern society has shunted grief to the outskirts of human experience. I hope my show will allow the audience a safe place to explore grief.

If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?

Danny Trejo. I just want him to explain how the “Machete” movies are spinoffs of the “Spy Kids” movies. Also, I’m doing a “Pay What You Want” show, so I think having him pass the bucket around would intimidate people into giving me more money.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

It’s the biggest, most prestigious, entertainment festival in the world! I wish I had a more altruistic reason, but I just love being where the action is!

What differentiates it from other festivals?

I think there is an electric anticipation surrounding Edinburgh that also must have permeated places like Andy Warhol’s The Factory. This kind of crackling potential energy you only get from a bunch of honed artists who are ready to pop.

What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

If you could have it at my house next year that would be great. I would like to be able to perform and then immediately go to bed.

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

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so my energy reserves are smaller than many people’s. Being tired all the time has negatively affected my artistic career. Stand-up comedy has a culture centered around, “The Hang” and people who don’t stay out until 3am to drink and network don’t get as many opportunities.

What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?

The immediate feedback. You quickly know if the audience thinks you are funny. If not, you can pivot in real time to find what they like. The downside, though, is if you don’t win them over, once the show is done everyone has to awkwardly avoid eye contact while leaving.

What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?

I once performed at an awful bowling alley in the middle of nowhere. The audience hated me, and halfway through my show was when “Cosmic Bowling” started. Which is just regular bowling, but with more Pink Floyd and black lights. I had a feeling it was going to be a rough show, so before going on stage I wrote on my wrist how much money I was being paid. When the show felt particularly rough, I would check my wrist and remember how much money I would make if I just made it to my contractually obligated 45 minutes.

Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?

When I first began comedy, I had a joke that was less sensitive than the others. The audience loved it, but after the show the headliner spoke to me and said, “I watched your whole set. You’re better than that joke.” She was right. I never did the joke again.

What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?

I’ve never been to Edinburgh. But I’m excited to see all the old buildings and castles! Also, the largest climbing gym in Europe is in Edinburgh, and I am for sure going to check that out!

Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?

I want to see my friend, Chloe’s, show, “Cheat.” She’s my dearest friend, and I’m excited that we are doing Fringe together.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh? If you’ve never been before, what would you say has been (potentially) the most useful?

Producer of “The Super Serious Show”, Mandee Johnson, gave me the best advice: things are going to go wrong. You’ll probably get sick the first week, you’ll have tech malfunctions, and some audiences won’t be ideal. And it’s ok! It will still be an overwhelmingly positive experience.

When and where can people see your show?

August 3^rd through 27th at Just the Tonic at The Mash House at 3:45pm. (No show on August 14^th)

And where can people find you online?