Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Talofa readers, I’m James Nokise from New Zealand.
Samoan Dad, Welsh Mum. Comedy ensues.
How would you describe your show?
Look, it’s a little bit about my Mum, a little bit about anti-vax cousins, and a little bit about transphobia being a colonial mentality being forced on pacific people… but with jokes.
What is your favourite part of your show?
Sitting on stage with a drink, chatting to the audience before the show starts.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Word to the Mutha by Bel Biv Devoe (featuring New Edition) because I’m a 40yr old Polynesian.
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
A deep love of New Jack Swing, and how ridiculously dumb bigotry can make you look.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
John Paul Davies from Crimewatch Roadshow… there’s a part where I’m describing being pulled over by the cops which I think would be fun if he just burst into Stand 4 and took over the narrative.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It’s not just the fringe, but The Stand at the fringe. I like being able to add some pacific flavour to their lineups.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The sheer scale, and the multiculturalism that comes with that.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Has everyone else said accommodation prices? How about letting St Andrews Square be a venue again?
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I can make really really cost effective shows that travel well.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
Learning about them.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
A man bought his Golliwog to a show I was doing on racism, to get a photo with me.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
I once put on a fish tail, and performed as a merman for kids in a water tank in Australia… their fringe festivals have slightly warmer climates for that sort of thing.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
I had a critic in 2016 write that Brexit was clearly too complicated for me to understand because I kept saying the Brexit campaign was lying, and anyone from a colony could see that.
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 get a coffee from The Source. There’s some amazing coffee places all over the city.
But The Source is absolutely the best.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
Laura Davis’ “Well Don’t Just Stand There Dancing”
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?
Don’t take the show your first year. Go and do spots, maybe even work a venue. Get a rhythm for the city and the festival first, find your quiet places, then come back with a show.
When and where can people see your show?
6:45 Stand 4
And where can people find you online?
@JamesNokise on most social media
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