Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello and good day to you, my name is Helen Bauer and I am a stand-up comedian. 6ft1 of fun and I love to cry. Cute right!?
How would you describe your show?
The most dramatic show of all time, well not Celine Dion level but close, it’s like if Celine Dion grew up in a drama school in a small town in Hampshire and drank wine and discussed her daddy issues.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I can’t think why I wouldn’t, the best performers from all over the world in one city all performing every day and drinking each night. The emotions are so high and intense. You can break down at 11am and no one bats an eyelid. Also, the city has a castle. A CASTLE!
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Most importantly the length of it. It’s a real test of stamina. Most importantly though is that its 24 hours there is always a show happening somewhere. It never ends. IT NEVER ENDS (that may sound bad, but it’s a good and bad thing) BUT SERIOUSLY ITS NEVER ENDING.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Ooo just the classic, I’m heart broken, I’m living in Berlin and I need to do something. I always wanted to do it but was so scared of stand up (I still am) I thought I can just do it in Germany and if it is awful no one will ever know.
I look up to everyone, but I think for me it was when I was 18 and a tech for Pleasance (which now, 10 years later, I am doing my show with them) and I saw stand up for the first time live. Kevin Bridges was doing his debut show and I was his tech and I thought it was amazing!
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
So I did work as a party tour guide in Berlin for a while, taking sweet wide eyed backpackers to dirty techno clubs and giving them shots. It was truly fulfilling work. I was really being the change I wanted to see in the world.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
I just want to sing power ballads. I want so bad to be a west end darling but I can’t sing or dance but I like to think I have the right attitude.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Being upset that my sister got new pyjamas and I didn’t. It haunts me to this day.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Of course, you are aware of the current climate socially and politically, I don’t feel pressure to discuss it though. There is humor in everything, sadly events today are always bad news and we all deserve a break from thinking about our impending doom every now and then.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Only in a positive way, I feel that less topics are taboo now.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
I cried watching Babe alone.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Sooooo turns out my grandfather discovered the drug Zovirax (for herpes). I wouldn’t mind going back to meet him in his lab and see why that was what he wanted to invent, I’m assuming him and his girlfriends were having a great time and it was more of a problem solved for him.
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?
Both have their merits. Free Fringe allows anyone from any economic background to access shows, not everyone can afford to buy a ticket. The paid venues however allow you to set up your show exactly how you want it to be so you can go bigger with lights and sounds. Do whichever suits you.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Start planning it early. You want to be ready to show off your show by the time you arrive.
When and where can people see your show?
Little Miss Baby Angel Face, Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker One, 6PM, 29th July- 25th August, except for 14th
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Twitter: @helenbabauer
Instagram: @helenbabauer
Helen Bauer’s debut stand up show ‘Little Miss Baby Angel Face’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Bunker One at 6pm for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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