Interview with George Rigden

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hello reader - my name is George Rigden. I’m a musical comedian with a song in my heart, a head full of dreams and a history of mental health issues.

Tell us about your show?

It’s a deeply personal show about toxic masculinity told through the prism of my comedy persona, who basically believes himself to be an absolute stud but it’s clear from everything he does and says that his life is falling apart. There’s a hefty amount of audience interaction, original songs and a bloody great joke about pain au chocolat. Worth the ticket price for that gag alone in my opinion.

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

Simple answer, because it's the greatest festival of any kind on the planet - I first visited when I was 17 in a dreadful A-level play written by my drama teacher called ‘ASBO - the musical’ and felt like a kid in a sweetshop. When I wasn’t seeing the world’s greatest comics onstage, I’d see them walking around the city like they weren’t absolute gods and now to be part of the world is mindblowing. All my greatest life experiences have happened in Edinburgh. The very fact it runs for an entire month in one city is enough to set it apart from any other festival, but the fact that it ALWAYS attracts the cream of the crop makes it the best experience any comedy fan or performer could ever have. Sensational. Expensive, though.

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

I’d always wanted to be funny on a stage, ever since I was a tiny obnoxious child - but I didn’t know stand up comedy was a thing until I was about 15 and my older sister borrowed Lee Evans: Wired and Wonderful on VHS from a boy who fancied her. I only knew him as an actor in Mouse Trap before that so it surprised me to see he did that as well, even more so when I realised he was a stand up first. Around the same time, The Office came out and that was the first time I encountered any comedy that felt as though it was written with the sole aim to make ME laugh. It's still the greatest thing I’ve ever seen, and without its existence I would never have even considered pursuing a career in comedy.

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

Not really - my show deals with a very current subject but for me the priority has always been to just try and be as funny as I can. I greatly admire acts who can do stuff about politics or current affairs and sometimes I wish I could do that, but where politics are concerned I feel too emotionally invested in the world going to total shit to see the funny side.

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

Oh, 100% yes - and that’s definitely a good thing. I’m a firm believer that any subject can be joked about or satirised provided the context and intent are clear, but for too long comedy has been able to get away with punching down with no consideration for the target at the expense of a cheap laugh. I’m delighted that’s being tackled because A, all comics are sensitive and self-loathing and by rights should be intrinsically empathetic, and B, it makes us work harder and produces better quality comedy.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Hard, Hellish, hopeless, redemptive - happy.

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

Make sure you have enough material to justify doing a show - whether you’re doing a paid venue or the free fringe, people are investing their time in YOU and will feel short-changed if you’re not up to the task. Also, talk about what you know - it’s impossible to be hack if you’re speaking you’re own truth. And be nice - this is the only arts industry where nice guys don’t finish last.

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

Don’t get into the habit of drinking heavily at gigs to combat nerves - you’ll get away with it a few times and might even feel more relaxed, but there’s a dangerous tipping point at which it’ll start to negatively impact on your performance. Also, be careful who you bitch to.

When and where can people see your show?

I’m performing at the Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance This) at 9.45pm, 1-27th August (not 13th). Please come.

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

I’m on twitter (@grigdencomedian), instagram (@georgerigdencomedian) and Facebook (facebook.com/georgerigdencomedian). Follow all 3 and I’ll give you the secret to true happiness. SPOILER ALERT - it’s impossible.