Interview with Lolly Jones

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Lolly Jones and my alter ego is a burlesque version of Theresa May.

Tell us about your show?
In Fifty Shades of May, I’ll be re-enacting Theresa’s rise to the top through cabaret. She will be entering No.10 and reminiscing in fields of wheat. Featuring Liam Hourican (Murder in Successville/Tracey Breaks the News) as Jacob Rees-Mogg in a series of VTs, you will discover who is really cracking the whip in Westminster. It’s raunchy, camp and slightly disturbing! I’ll also be dancing under the magic money tree as Arlene Foster and going back to the 80’s with a young Nicola Sturgeon. Expect feather fans, bondage gear and satirical nipple tassels!

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?
Edinburgh Fringe is like crack; it’s expensive and it ages you but you have to come back for more! Even in a digital age, it remains the hub of comedy. I love how that hasn’t changed. And first-time performers are as much a part of the festival as top billed comedians. Everyone gets their chance: a fair crack of the whip (as Theresa would say).

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I’ve been an actress for a long time but I was stuck playing the same roles. I played eight servants in a row when I left drama school! I’ve always loved dark comedy and I decided to write my own material. Julia Davis was a huge inspiration. She doesn’t conform to a standard genre. A lot of her stuff is borderline offensive and she just about gets away with it.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
My material is political so I’m hoping that I won’t have to update too much ahead of the Fringe. It’s highly likely that Theresa May will quit or be ousted and then my entire show will shagged. It could be good for the country but what about my show?!?!

Equally, do you feel there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
In the last couple of years, the ridiculousness of politics has made more people pay attention. Brexit made everyone take notice. I think it’s allowed us all to push the barriers a bit more. Theresa May in suspenders no longer seems so unbelievable.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Neither strong nor stable.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Lower your expectations! Pack for cold and rainy weather. Give up booze for the few months preceding to both save money and prepare your liver. Work as hard as you possibly can on your show; you need to bring your A game. Don’t take the reviews to heart! And the rest is all about enjoying it. It’s one of the best things you will ever do!

And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the industry?
Stop trying to be like other people. Write about what you know and about what makes you angry.

When and where can people see your show?
Assembly Roxy Downstairs, 8:50pm. 1st-24th August (not the 13th).

And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Twitter/Instagram: @lollydoes
Facebook: lollyjonescomedy
www.lollydoes.com

I also have a podcast @pornthatway