Interview with Micky Bartlett

Micky Bartlett takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and give advice to young people.

Interview with Micky Bartlett

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I'm Micky Bartlett, stand up comedian. What's your name?

How would you describe your show?

My new show "Typical" is probably my most opinionated show to date. Its been a dramatic year politically, Trump was elected, we've started to leave Europe, but more importantly, I turned 30 and got a dog.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

I love the Fringe. It's simultaneously the most stressful and fun month of the year. Where else can you see some of the most famous performers in the world, and a drama student crying in the rain on the same day?!

What differentiates it from other festivals?

The sheer size of it. There are many acts to choose from, you could go see shows from 5 in the morning to 5 the next morning, for the whole month, and still not see everything. Also, I don't think other festivals have access to so many "Greggs'".

Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?

The fringe has always had an electric atmosphere, and I don't think that has diminished at all. People sometimes complain that it's no longer the best place to be picked for fame, as it was perhaps 15 years ago. But that's not the fringe's fault, that's the world around the fringe. For me being able to gig three or four times a day for a whole month is fantastic.

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

I went to a very strict catholic school in Northern Ireland, and the day we learned about "How babies are made" was so funny that I thought "I'm gonna be a comedian and tell everyone about this! PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW!"

If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Crying in a call centre.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Being a comedian in the best job in the world. If I could be anything else I'd maybe go for Billionaire Philanthropist.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

My dad used to make me do impressions of the characters from "Harry Enfield and Chums". I think that was probably the beginning of my enjoyment for making people laugh.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?

I think social commentary evolves in comedy quite naturally. Especially in the days of Donald Trump. The left vs right politics of the last 4-5 years has created a sense of greater political awareness among audiences, so comedy usually moves in the same direction.

Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?

I'm a bit of a lefty, so the constant hammering we've received in the polls has affected my work I think. I've gotten a lot more opinionated and slightly angry. Although I'm not great at displaying my emotions so it comes across as sarcasm, which is handy as a comedian.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

OH NO IT'S DONALD TRUMP.

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

Martin McDonagh. I loved his plays when I was at university.

Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?

The Fringe is an expensive month no matter how you play it. Accommodation goes through the roof and the beer is more expensive than in September. I think the free fringe, on paper is a good thing for anybody starting out, however there is a good chance you'll be playing a sports bar in Dumfries. Having done the free fringe for a few years I have to say that I much prefer being in the Gilded Balloon (my venue this year). The staff and crew are fantastic and it feels much less lonely than being on the free fringe.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

Just do it. Even if it's a horrible month and you lose money and all self respect, you'll still come home with a great story.

When and where can people see your show?

5:15 Gilded Balloon, Balcony. 2-28 August.

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

Twitter: @mickybartlett

Facebook: itsmickybartlett


Micky Bartlett: Typical is performing at the Gilded Balloon at 17:00 from 2nd – 28th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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