Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hullo. I’m Sam. A comedian from New York City! The Big Apple! Yeehaw! Wrong Word! I’m currently writing for a new show on Bravo where I get to write high budget dick jokes that usually get rejected cause they’re “way too vivid.”
I also tour around the US headlining clubs, colleges, and festivals. I’ve won some cool festivals and awards, was recently in the NYTimes which landed me on my mom’s fridge, and was called “angelic and endlessly charming” by Time Out. My mom didn’t put that on the fridge. She thought that was a bit much. I happen to agree.
How would you describe your show?
An uncomfortable queer coming of age story where autobiographical flashbacks and ridiculous explorations of alternate life paths blur the lines between fact and fiction.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I’ve been dreaming about this for about half a decade now. There are several factors that particularly attract me:
1) Performing my show every night for a month is an opportunity to learn and grow that is not possible anywhere else in the world.
2) In the American comedy circuit, my shows have rarely fit in. It’s not straight stand-up (in the American sense of the word) and it’s not drag, nor cabaret. People don’t know what to make of it. I believe the show that I’ve written naturally fits into the Edinburgh model frightfully well. I’m often told, "It's too weird!”. and even “It's an Edinburgh show!”
3) I can’t wait to share this show with Fringe goers!! Audience members often approach me afterward exclaiming how profoundly related to the core journey of the story. I am excited to see how the Fringe reacts.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I haven’t even gone yet but I already know it’s nothing like any other festival I’ve been a part of. The scale, variety, and enthusiasm blow everything else out of the water.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I initially gravitated towards stand-up cause I felt trapped with a sexuality that I didn’t have the confidence to speak out loud. I’m gay but also have only ever found myself attracted to fat old men (OK now what you’re imagining but only fatter and older). Stand up is how I have been able to express that and often came out to friends and family on stage.
A good comic is in a unique position power. The audience can’t hate you if they're too busy laughing. I needed that cover to express myself. I’ve always been more comfortable saying “I’ve had more dads inside me than New Balance shoes” to hundreds of strangers than to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public (I’m working on the hand holding bit). That is the motor behind this project, and the piece has grown older with me as it ultimately follows my struggles to find a coherent sense of self in chaotic dad-filled New York City.
Artistically, I’ve been infatuated with Mike Birbiglia, Bo Burnham (and more recently Hasan Minhaj) since before I knew I was gay. So, for about 25 years now. They craft meaningful shows. They challenge you and I mean really challenge you. In that way that makes you question yourself and dissect the jokes for weeks after.
I want people to walk away from Hello, Daddy! Exhausted from laughing, just a tad disturbed, and challenged.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I am currently writing on the 1st season of a new comedy on Bravo. Before this, I was doing stand-up full time so would likely be touring a bit more and grinding it out in New York City.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
My current job writing for Bravo is kind of a dream job so I’m a bit upset that I don’t have it anymore. But being President of the United States of America should alleviate those concerns. I don’t actually want to do it, but it means that c*nt muffin isn’t in office.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Great question! Having a paint war in pre-k. My classmates and I threw paint at each other. We should do that again.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Honestly, no. I mostly write autobiographically. Oftentimes current events will infuriate me or change my point of view regarding a topic, which ultimately affects my jokes, but it’s rarely immediately noticeable.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
When I go into my gay jokes in some rooms, they feel it as a political attack when it’s purely me trying to discuss my life. That sentiment has increased in certain rooms over the past 4 years.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Doing doing doing…for what?
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Oscar Wilde. 1) I’d steal his clothes. 2) He’d rip me to sheds. It’d be a delight.
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?
I’m not sure seeing as I haven’t done either yet. I was told by previous performers that the free fringe will be easier to fill the room and ticketed fringe can be seen as more prestigious.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Make sure you find lots and lots of people who have done it in various capacities and soak in the information about their experiences.
When and where can people see your show?
1st - 26th (save the 12th) 17:15 at Marlin’s Wynd
Sam Morrison’s debut Edinburgh Festival show ‘Hello Daddy!’ will be at the Just The Tonic Marlin’s Wynd from 1st – 26th August at 5.15pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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