Interview with Alex Edelman

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

Interview with Alex Edelman

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader? 

I’m Alex Edelman. I like ramen and arguments and I’m a comedian and I’ve always had pretty nice success at the Fringe, thank god. I am Jewish and American.

Tell us about your show?

It’s performed by me. Alex Edelman. The fella from the above question. I went to a meeting of white nationalists in the United States and things got very weird and I talk about that and a bunch of other things. It’s pretty good, actually. It was nominated for Best Show at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. They call that award the Barry. It was exciting.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?

That’s two questions, innit? It’s the biggest festival by far and I want to perform because honestly I love doing intense, hour-long comedy shows every day for a month.

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

Great pieces of comedy like Mel Brooks’ “The Producers,” Albert Brooks’ “Defending Your Life” and albums by US comedian Brian Regan.

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

No. I write new material about events and comment socially because you would too if you were a comedian.

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

Not really. Why? Did someone say something? 

I don’t know. People are always worried and concerned and progressively more touchy about stuff but you just have to roll with it. Imagine genuinely complaining about overly intense political correctness - which is definitely a real thing - instead of the issues that are causing it. That would be a truly miserable position to take.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Three-hundred sixty-five days.

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

Be as ready as possible. Know what you want to get out of the month up here and go for it. Don’t do Cabaret. Just have a good time. If you don’t enjoy this, then this place isn’t for you at all.

And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the industry?

Chill out. It’ll all happen.

When and where can people see your show?

Pleasance Courtyard. Cabaret Bar. 8 PM. Every night. Yay.

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

My name is Alex Edelman and that name is my Twitter name. Google does a bang-up job, otherwise.

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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