Interview with Pierre Novellie

Pierre Novellie talks to Voice about his upcoming EdFringe show - a satire show for those without a team

Interview with Pierre Novellie

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hi, I'm Pierre. I'm a South African Manxman, multiple award-nominated (and one win) comedian and beef enthusiast. 

Tell us about your show?

It's a satire show for people without a team - I love politics but I've never really put it in a show. Also, it's broader than having to know the names of every MP - it's societal satire, maybe.

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

It's the largest arts festival on earth by a huge margin, it's also by far the longest and most expensive. It is like end of year exams for comedians, or maybe spending a month solid in the gym - it will improve your skills hugely.

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

Watching late night stand up comedy on Paramount Comedy - Glenn Wool and Mike Wilmot made a big impression. Dave Chappelle was an early obsession too, as well as Stephen Colbert and John Oliver.

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

Well you can't avoid being a social commentator if you are anything but a surrealist (and even then maybe not) but yes, I suppose that's part of why the show is satirical this year, and constantly updating it would be a pain so I've tried to make it broad and societal, rather than specific.

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

I've got a routine that discusses aspects of Brexit that, about a year ago, it would have been utterly impossible to do. People were still sensitive and completely unaware of the realities of it. Now that the wheels are falling off, people as an audience are more willing to listen.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Mess after mess after mess.

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

Do not underestimate how incredibly competitive the Fringe is - if you do not bring your A-game and get as much help as you can, you might not even get an audience.

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

Once you are good enough, then it is luck - up until then, work harder. 

When and where can people see your show? 

The show is at 19:15 in the Pleasance Courtyard

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

Just search Pierre Novellie on all your social media! I'm the only one.

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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