Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Rachel Jackson. Comedian, Actress, Writer, Scottish gangster.
How would you describe your show?
Funny, mad, relatable, extreme, but mainly funny with a lot of heart.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It's the best festival in the world - and in my hometown. Unbeatable.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Just having the most beautiful setting on Earth, which population triples during the month of August and knowing how everyone is there because they love it!!!! Participants and audience. Great vibe around the entire city.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
It used to feel a lot more free spirited and charming and now it's a bit like the Illuminati have come to town. Everything worked to the bone and lots of pressure from amazing reviews etc. But on the plus side, apparently if you have a good fringe it can accelerate your career ten fold!
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Being the worst Ballerina in the class and knowing I was meant to be on stage but needing to find the right skill to do so. Jim Carey was a huge one for me coz I saw a goofball doing really well and thought I could do the same.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Sitting in a box of ashes somewhere. I don't mean to be dramatic but I never had a plan b and don't think I could live without performing and making people laugh. I feel so so happy to be doing what I've always wanted to do.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
My next ambition is to be a series regular in a TV show. I'm working on a few pilots so it should be very soon hopefully!
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I won a picture competition at school. My picture was picked to go up in some gallery in Edinburgh and me and my family went to the gallery to view it all proud and we found it sitting in a pile in the corner.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Not pressure, I just enjoy writing new stuff everyday. This is what I do and I love having the freedom to do it. How many people can take all the shit from the world and make it funny and get paid. Unreal to me.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
People are angry at the moment - which is a perfect time for comedy. I am very self deprecating and dead pan and that seems to fit with the tone of how others are feeling which is lucky!
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Personally great, otherwise not so.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Christian Bale. Best actor in the world and think together we'd be the most intense pairing ever.
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?
Free fringe you actually make money from because it costs you nothing to put on and people are really generous in what they leave in your bucket at the end of the show! This is my first time doing a ticketed show and it's cost me everything I have and had to borrow from others to make it happen. I guess the plus though is that the venue I'm at is very respected and gets a lot of eyes on it. So it's more expensive but it's like an investment. Hopefully. Please.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Save up first otherwise you will hurt yourself financially big time hahaha
When and where can people see your show?
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 2, 10.30pm every night except 24th.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
@r_jacz on twitter!
Rachel Jackson: Bunny Boiler is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 22:30 on 2nd - 28th (not 24th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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