Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I am an Irish comedian living in London. I moved to London at the age of 33 on my own (like the brave baby I am!). I have always wanted to be a comedy writer and comedian but fear of failure and not being able to ever buy a house stopped me. Then on my 33rd birthday my Mum reminded me that is the age Jesus died. So, I thought better now than never to pursue my dreams full time. Fast forward to present day and I’m bringing my debut show Tall Baby to the Edinburgh Fringe! I am so excited for my debut as I feel like I am ready for the festival.
Now this is the bit where I brag about myself, which for an Irish person is like basically sacrilegious but I am told I need to convince people to buy tickets to my show. I host two hit podcasts The Jump and Fad Camp, winner of the Irish Podcast Awards - Best Entertainment Podcast 2023. I was a finalist in the Vodafone Irish Comedian of the Year 2017 and UK Funny Women's Ones to Watch 2019. And during the pandemic I won the BBC Galton & Simpson Bursary for Comedy Writing! Phew okay the bragging is over (please don’t tell anyone in Ireland I wrote that, my passport will be revoked)
How would you describe your show?
Tall Baby is about how I moved to London on my own at the age of 33. It was post pandemic and I wanted to change things up by becoming a human adult who has fun. The only thing stopping me was… everything. I tried one-night stands, it did not go well as I have a very Catholic fear of sex. I had to read my very own missing person’s report, it was humbling to say the least.Now I am the inheritor of the most humiliating generational trauma… foot trauma. Basically, the show is about how no matter where you go, there you are.
What is your favourite part of your show?
Right now, my favourite part is about all my fanciful expectations of what my life would look like when I moved to London. I was imagining the romcom version of my life as an independent 30 plus woman who will set the comedy world on fire and meet the love of her life in an adorable meet cute. But mostly it’s been me crying in parks and going on dates where we talk about IBS.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Life is a Rollercoaster by Ronan Keating. I have no regrets. It’s a great tune yet also slightly embarrassing. Basically, my life.
Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?
Humiliation is good for the soul! And that you are not owed anything in life so you might as well try to have a good time. My comedy is all about revealing the most embarrassing moments of my life to make the audience laugh and hopefully forget their own troubles for a while. I also add in a lot of vagina jokes. Because who doesn’t love a vagina joke?
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?
I’ve attended the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as a punter a few times and you just can’t beat the atmosphere. There is something special about what happens in Edinburgh in August. So much creativity packed into a beautiful place. For me performing at this fringe means I really am putting myself out there and betting on myself. I think I am good enough to bring a show to the Edinburgh Fringe and perform in the same place as so many incredible performers.
What do you hope to learn or achieve from your first Fringe experience, and how do you plan to apply it to your future work?
I really want to get some great reviews, reach a wider audience and become a better comedian in my first Fringe. And – enjoy it! I feel like that’s always the last thing on performers' minds. What’s the point of doing this work if I am not going to enjoy the process? Good and bad. I am really proud of my show Tall Baby, and I am pushing myself to get better as a stand-up, writer and performer. This can only help in my career going forward.
What would you say has been (potentially) the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given about taking a show to Edinburgh Fringe?
Back yourself. Taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe is telling the world and yourself that you think you are good enough. So back yourself and have a good time.
How do you plan to balance performing and exploring the vast array of other shows and events happening at the Fringe?
Sleep. Drink water. Allow for spontaneous things to happen. Do what you want. It’s a crazy month and as adults we don’t think we are working hard if we go with the flow. But that’s bullshit. You can work hard and be spontaneous. I will sell and perform my show as best I can and then wander around the city and see some other amazing performers. I can’t wait!
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I grew up in Dublin and spent my summers on a farm in Roscommon, so I got the best of living in a capital city and knowing country life. We were all Catholic, repressed and hilarious. All my family and friends have proper careers, so it took me a long, long (way too long) time to commit to comedy and writing. I just didn’t think it was an option for me as I didn’t know anyone who worked in this world. Also, I had a moustache. But when I finally got the confidence to commit to comedy, and found a great facial hair remover, I got on stage. The impact of my upbringing means when it comes to my artistic career, I am a late bloomer.
Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?
My comedy is based on my personal experiences, so my creative process is to go out and live my life. Basically, anytime another humiliating, upsetting or genuinely hilarious thing happens to me, I stew on it for a while and then go on stage and talk about it. However, it can take me a long time to be able to make it funny on stage for myself and the audience. It’s all about confidence and trying again and again.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
The audience. When you are performing live, you must adapt the show to the audience each night. The audience are a huge part of the show, and they can make or break a performance. When you are in sync with the audience during a show, it is magic!
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
At my third ever stand-up gig, a woman in the front row was so drunk and rowdy that she tried to take the mic off the MC when the show began. As it’s Ireland and we don’t like to make a fuss, the woman wasn’t asked to leave. So, when I got on stage, she continually tried to guess each of my punchlines. She got one right as well, which was humbling ha. After the gig she approached me and told me that she loved my set. What the hell?
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 circus tent on a 360 stage at 2pm in the day to around 10 people. The 10 audience members were spread out as well so I would have to fully turn around for every joke to be able to perform to everyone. It was a humbling experience.
Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
Dylan Moran is one of my comedy influences. His comedic timing and delivery are second to none. I love how he can move between topics without the audience noticing the transition, it is something I try to bring to my work. Ali Wong is also an influence. I love her demeanour on stage. It makes me feel like I am allowed to ‘get annoyed’ on stage and it still be funny.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
This is going to be weirdly practical pieces of advice, but they have always stuck with me. First it was Joanne McNally telling me to move the mic stand out of my way when I get on stage. Basically, just move what you want so that you are comfortable on stage. Second was Neil Delamere telling me that everyone in the business is scared. It just made me feel better that I am not the only person who is making it up as they go along.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
I cannot wait to see Gearóid Farrelly’s show Gearóid Rage. Also, can’t wait to see Joanne McNally, Sean Burke and Zach Zucker.
When and where can people see your show?
My show Tall Baby is on from July 31st-Aug 25th at the Assembly Roxy, Outside.
Get tickets – it’s a great show!
And where can people find you online?
Instagram and Tik Tok mostly!
Instagram:gracemulveycomedy
Tik Tok:gracemcomedy
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