Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Jonny Pelham, I am a comedian, a story-teller and all round good guy. Although of course I would think that.
How would you describe your show?
The show is about going to my great aunite's funeral (actually her 93rd birthday but it felt like a funeral because death was definitely around), staring death in the face and realising that I had never really done much in my life (no proper job, no girlfriend, no real drive) and trying to put that right.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Edinburgh is just a platform to be creative and take risks in an environment where that is supported and encouraged. I do comedy clubs every weekend, which can often be drink fuelled environments and Edinburgh allows you the freedom to do something a bit different
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I didn't really know that much about stand-up comedy when I started. I was just walking around fresher's fair on my first day of university saw the stand-up club and along with like 15 other clubs I signed up. I did my first gig absolutely loved it and just kept going. Now I do it I am inspired by a number of acts, I particularly like Mike Birbiglia at the moment who is an America comic I think is brilliant.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
If I wasn't a comedian, I think I would either be a therapist or an academic. I quite like the idea of a life spent sitting in an ivory tower pontificating about the world.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
I would really love to be a scientist, but I would only really want to be a genius one who was constantly discovering new things. I think there must be something totally amazing about working out things that no one has ever thought before and being able to think I am the first human being who has ever thought that. That would be cool, sadly I am not a genius so instead I spend my days watching cats on YouTube whilst hoping I think of something funny.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I can't remember the name of the play or the group but I went to the theatre when I was about 12 with my school and I was blown away by the freedom and the creativity and the sense of fun of it all. I really enjoyed watching adults be silly.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
I think it is important that your material reflects the world. One of the themes of this show is how I have found myself becoming more politicised and one of the reasons I wanted to explore that was to use my own experience to explore the wider social narratives around young people becoming energised by politics again.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
The election results in the summer have probably made my show more optimistic. After Trump and Brexit and Marine Le Pen, it felt like the world was becoming increasingly inward looking and the election result, although a loss, really felt like a vote for a more hopeful, optimistic world. I think there is something fascinating about the positive energy Corbyn has created.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Chaotic fun!
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I would quite like to work with Shakespeare because he seems like a cool dude. Also he could probably give me some tips on how to improve the show.
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?
I have performed on both the paid and the free fringe. I think the benefits of the paid fringe are that you have a technician, you have someone to manage the room and everything is generally very professional. The advantage of the free fringe is that it has maybe a more anarchic, fun vibe.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Throw yourself at it - work hard and have fun.
When and where can people see your show?
My show is called Just Shout Louder, it is at the Gilded Balloon for tickets go to www.edfringe.com.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
I am on Twitter at @JonnyPelham22
Jonny Pelham: Just Shout Louder is performing at The Gilded Balloon at 19:45 on 2nd – 27th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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