Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Mary O’Connell, I’m a comedian, writer and money obsessive.
How would you describe your show?
It’s a silly show about my money anxiety, capitalism, not feeling like I can take risks in my life and with comedy.
What is your favourite part of your show?
My favourite part is when I do this fun call and response thing with the audience. I love audience interaction, I do a lot of MCing and I love those special moments that are totally unique to the audience of the show that night.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
If my show had a theme song it would be the song ‘Money’ by rapper Leaf because it’s very much about being on the hustle and working hard with making money being the main reason for all this hard work. For me the song is self aware and bittersweet that making a buttload of money is the fuel for and also the reward for all your creative work.
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
I want them to see how absurd the world is, especially in terms of money and Capitalism. The whole system is kinda absurd. Most of us don’t really fully understand how it works, but we’re all trying to win in this inane system anyway, at least that’s how I feel.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
It’s a toss up between Martin Lewis the money saving expert and Anna Delvey. Both of them have super opposing relationships towards money – with one being an expert on how to save your own money, and one being a fraud who loved to luxuriously spend other people’s money. But these opposing feelings are definitely felt within my show.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The fringe is a milestone of so many great comedians, I’d really love to follow in their footsteps. Also there’s a really nice burger van in the Pleasance Courtyard so I’m looking forward to spending too much money on those again.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
It truly is the biggest arts festival in the world, there’s every range of performance there, cabaret, dance, music, and of course comedy. There are so many shows on at the same time, there’s so much room to be adventurous as a punter, you might not plan to go see most of the shows you end up seeing but you’ll definitely stumble upon some amazing acts. The variety and sheer scale sets it apart from other festivals. It’s gargantuan in every sense of the word
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Well at being an almost month long festival, it is a smidge too long. When you go to a festival you sort of put things like eating vegetables, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep on the backburner. Edinburgh fringe is no different, but that’s a long time to be dehydrated. It’s also a lot of holiday days to take off so then a lot of people’s whole years become about the fringe because all their holiday days are going towards performing there. If it was shorter it would be a bit more accessible. In general there’s still a lot to be done for diversity at the fringe, because it’s so expensive to go it can be quite exclusive. I’d also include subsidised accommodation for performers, the population size of Edinburgh doubles during the fringe so well-priced accommodation is hard to find.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I’ve always enjoyed performing, I used to dance and play piano when I was younger so I definitely grew up entertaining. My cousins and my brother and sister would put on shows for a family quite often, we had the cheek to charge for tickets as well. Both my parents have great taste in comedy so we’d always have classic British sitcoms on in the house.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
I love connecting with people, I think making them laugh is a sign of the connection you’ve just made.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
I had to perform in front of people who were actively at a buffet before, that was pretty weird.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
I performed in a van once, it was called the ‘titter truck’ and there was space for about 8 people in there. They paid a quid and watched a 20 minute show I think.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
I was told by a producer that you can only be three things in comedy, and I thought as a mixed-race, queer, woman, that unfair because my ‘three things’ were already taken up with my identity.
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 like to go for runs, last year my accommodation was really close to Arthur’s Seat (I’d never attempt to actually run up it) but there’s a beautiful lake at the bottom of it which I ran around. I also love going to see a bunch of shows and discovering people I’d never seen before.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
I’m really excited to see Sian Davies show This Charming Man
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 an incredible experience but it’s like bootcamp for performers, make sure you’re doing a show that you love. Try not to get caught in the competition of it all, if you have a show that you’re proud of, that connects with your audience, then you’re already winning. And also take a portable charger and comfortable shoes with you, because you’re going to be out all day.
When and where can people see your show?
I’m on at 6pm in Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 3, everyday from 2nd - 27th (apart from the 15th)
https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/mary-oconnell-money-princess
And where can people find you online?
- IG @MaryWithTheGoldShoes
- TikTok @marywiththetiktok
- Twitter @marydoesgigs
Mary O’Connell’s debut stand up show ‘Money Princess’ is at the Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker 3 at 6pm from 2nd – 27th August (not 15TH) for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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