Interview with comedian and writer Stephanie Laing

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hello! I’m Stephanie, I’m a comedian and a dancer.

How would you describe your show?

It’s a mix of comedy and dance. It’s got lots of funny bits, and there’s also burlesque and bellydance and very weird contemporary dance. I talk about FEELINGS, and my relationship with my body, and consent. Also how to do feelings when you’ve been brought up a bit repressed.

What is your favourite part of your show?

I do a very intense dance to Britney Spears, which I love. There’s a bit in it where I prance around like a delightful little pony, and one bit where I loom menacingly over an audience member, but in a dance-y way.

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

Maybe ‘Good as Hell’ by Lizzo? Because I’m annoyingly happy.

Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?

I hope it will encourage people to think about their relationships with their own bodies. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling like my body was just transport for my head, but now I really love it and it’s made me a lot happier.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?

Because it’s massive and fun. I think this is my twelfth fringe. It’s the only time of year I see a lot of people from comedy-land who I really like. And I like the food trucks where you can get waffles and crepes.

How does performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe compare to other festivals or venues you've experienced?

It’s definitely the most intense one. There are shows all day, and the whole thing is so LONG. I think it’s the one where comedians are most likely to quietly lose their minds. Or loudly lose their minds.

How has your experience at past Fringes influenced or changed your approach to this year's performance?

I’m just going to try to have fun this year. I’ve done years where I’ve been focused on getting good reviews or selling out the show, but I think it’s better if you just remember it’s a really really enjoyable way to spend a month of your life.

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 try to get out of Edinburgh and remember that the rest of life is still happening. Cry by some flowers, stare wordlessly into the sea, look at a nice cow.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh?

Become independently wealthy.

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

The cost of accommodation is ridiculous. I’m sleeping in a van this year (not even a campervan, just a plain old van) because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford to come up.

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

I was brought up in a very funny family, so I always tried to be funny too. And I was incredibly quiet at school. I honestly didn’t know what people wanted from me (and still don’t), and I was terrible at making normal conversation (also still true). But I found that if I said something funny then people would laugh and might want to hang out with me, so I’d just be deadly silent for most of the day, then say 2 funny things, and not be completely friendless.

Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?

I usually start with a theme, which is generally something I’ve had on my mind in my life in general. This year it was my relationship with my body. Then I think of all the ways I could talk about that topic and make a big list. Then I try to write bits of stand-up for each of those bits, and for this show dances that illustrate or enhance those sections. At some point I ask myself what my point is, and try to build towards that. I put all the sections on post-it notes, and then rearrange them until they make sense as a narrative.

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

I like humans most when they’re in audience form. I feel like I know how to talk to a whole room of people more than I know how to talk to people in social situations.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?

I did a gig recently where there was an electrical fault, so whenever you touched the wall behind the stage you’d get quite violently electrocuted. We all kept touching it anyway.

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

I did a gig in a church last year, which was really fun but also quite strange. I felt like I had to keep apologising to baby Jesus for the awful things I was saying. Also there’s a part in my club set where I tell the audience about a very loud noise I made once during sex, and the acoustics in the church were AMAZING for that.

Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?

My favourite comedian is Simon Amstell. I like that he’s very honest, and that he seems to be trying to be a better, happier person.

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

My first review had the phrase “she came on stage with a stupid hat on”, which is fair because I was a character act when I first started, and I was pretending to be a garden gnome. I also remember someone saying I was “something like a decrepit velociraptor” but I have no idea what part of my set they were referring to.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing Comedy for the Curious, which is a science/comedy panel show. Robyn Perkins runs it, and it’s always fun, and you learn a lot too.

When and where can people see your show?

2.50pm, 31st July - 26th August (not 12th) at the Wee Coo, George Square

And where can people find you online?