Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi everyone, I’m Tania Lacy. I’m an Australian comedian. I’ve been doing this comedy thing, in one way or another, for 35 years. I’ve written for film and TV, I’ve got two novels on the shelves and I just really love making people laugh.
How would you describe your show?
Funny, honest, relatable. Pfff, sounds like a very run of the mill comedy show. (I’m really selling this, aren’t I?) Okay, it’s a very funny show and I know this because I hear people laughing and having a great time. It is lucky I work in comedy and not sales.
What is your favourite part of your show?
Definitely the ending, not because the show is over, but because the ending is a very special, surprise, moment. Let’s just say it involves me, Kylie Minogue and the Locomotion. Did you know I started out as a dancer? I mean, dancer to comedian, even I don’t believe it sometimes.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
That’s easy, ‘I Never Promised You a Rose Garden’. Which is weird because the show title does sort of hint at the promise of roses, but the point of the show is that even when you do all the right stuff in life, things doesn’t always come up roses.
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
Whilst it’s fun to laugh at all the shit life dishes out, I guess the deeper message is keep going. Resilience is the key to success in life.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
Definitely Kylie. Before ‘Padam’ there was ‘Locomotion’, and I hate to bang on about it, but I happen to know a bit about that whole Locomotion experience. Mostly because I was there, at Kylie’s side. You’ll see, it’s in the show
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I sometimes ask myself the same question. It’s not easy, particularly when you’re a self-funded artist. For me, it was about the challenge, a desire to reach a larger audience, to find my tribe.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The size, the reputation, the lure of greater things. The chance to see some amazing acts, meet people who blow your mind, meet people you never want to become. It’s the vibe, the experience, the possibility that anything can and does happen at Edinburgh Fringe.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The price of accomodation. I mean, seriously! It’s sad because it’s greed that’s driving it. Charge the big prices to the big names but please, give the rest of us a fighting chance.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I moved around a lot as a kid. My dad was in the army when I was young. I attended six different primary schools. As you can imagine, that does go some way to shaping your personality. By the time I arrived at my third school, I was unfazed by the experience. I would settle in quickly, find my tribe and that was that. One of the things that made it easier for me was my sense of humour and ability to make people laugh. It was an efficient way to make new friends. I was always very creative though. It’s hard for me to not create and that’s always how it’s been. At 58, that doesn’t look like changing.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
Knowing that I’m making people laugh, that immediate response, it’s the best thing ever. I feel like I’m doing something good for people. Laughter is really healing so maybe comedians are the new shamans of the world. Though, looking at the state of the world, we’re going to need more comedians.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
It was actually after a gig one night that this strangeness occurred. I was leaving the venue and this guy is suddenly in my face, thrusting his phone at me, ‘Oh, please. I follow on Instagram. Please put name in.’ I took his phone and I typed my name into his instagram account and said, ‘So glad you enjoyed the gig.’ And he said, ‘What gig?’ Yeah, he was not even at the gig. He’s just some random dude who has seen me walk by and decided he wants to follow me on Instagram.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
I’ve never actually performed anywhere that’s too weird but I find anything that’s outside, it’s just not that great for comedy. Post-lockdown, when there was still a lot of Covid around, I was booked for a lot of gigs that were held outdoors and it just didn’t work. Sometimes, the more dingy a venue is, the better it is for the gig.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
‘You’re great!’ That’s feedback that’s really stuck with me. I hear it all the time, it’s getting embarrassing. But seriously, it’s actually the negative stuff that tends to linger. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten better at letting negative comments go. I just don’t want it living in my head rent free. In this business, it’s impossible to please everyone, it’s unrealistic to think everyone is going to like what you do. So, best to just get on with it, haters gonna hate, blah-blah, etc-etc. If something knocks me for a six now, I still feel it, I just get over it quicker.
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 don’t know Edinburgh well enough to be able to say what is my favourite thing to do. Dear readers, if you have any suggestions, head to my socials, happy to hear them. My mental health and taking care of it is something I do know a lot about. I have a complicated mental illness. It’s important I self-monitor, remain vigilant and do what I have to in order to maintain some equilibrium. For me, that’s things like exercise, taking time for myself and making sure I get to bed on time. Part-ay animal!
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
Gosh, there are heaps. I’m so looking forward to catching as many shows as I can. Ashley Barnhill is a woman I want to see in ‘Texas Titanium (Show ‘Bout Getting a New Skull). She actually got a new skull! She’s going to be my new best friend, I can just tell. Madeleine Hamilton: Piping Hot, her show looks interesting, the poster is hilarious. That’s a good sign. The main theme here is women, I want to see women performing because right now, I believe they are doing the more interesting work.
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?
It’s been 29 years since I was last in Edinburgh, so I’m no expert. From my own experience all those years ago I would say to any artist, remember where you are. Anything that comes your way is meant to be, it’s no accident. This is a place where people are looking for talent and if they come knocking, answer. I didn’t because I didn’t think I was good enough. I just wasn’t ready. Be ready.
When and where can people see your show?
Tania Lacy: Everything’s Coming Up Roses is playing at Just the Tonic at The Caves, August 3 - 26. Here’s a ticket link, click on it, see ya there. I love youse all.
https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/event/88:3308/
And where can people find you online?
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