Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Michael Odewale and I’m a stand-up comedian.
How would you describe your show?
It’s an exploration into my selfishness and apathy in a time where it feels very important to believe in and fight for something.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It’s one of the biggest festivals in the world for comedy and a great opportunity to showcase what I’ve been working on this past year.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
There’re so many different varieties of comedy to see and all within very close proximity of each other. I think it would be very hard to not get inspired here over the course of the festival.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I liked the freedom comedians seemed to have. You can talk about anything as long as you make it funny. Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Richard Pryor and Louis CK were my first inspirations I think
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I studied History and Politics at uni. I think I would have like to do something debate based, maybe I would have tried to be a lawyer or something. Probably would have lost many cases.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
I’m already doing it.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
We used to colour in Easter Eggs in primary school every year. Most kids followed a particular scheme but I was like a young Picasso, whatever felt right went on those egg. I was a maverick.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
Not pressure, I’m naturally interested in those types of things, so it informs my set. If I’m not interested then I’ll leave it alone, I’m pretty sure another comic will have it covered.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Not that I’ve noticed. Perhaps audience get more as soon as you mention certain hot button or controversial topics but that’s always been the case. Part of the fun is releasing that tension with a really good joke.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Challenging but rewarding
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Jesus. I want to make some Instagram skits and think we’d be a good double act.
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?
The honest answer is I don’t know. I’ve realised that’s one of the smartest answers you can give sometimes apart from on exam questions. I’m actually curious about the answer to that too so let me know when you find out.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Probably pace yourself. It’s a long month. Find a way to decompress. I’ve already found a Sauna that I know I’m going to hit up when I’m up there.
When and where can people see your show?
My show is on at 5.30 in Bunker 2 at the Pleasance Courtyard. Its on from 31st July to 25th August.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
My Instagram and twitter are michaelodewalecomedy. I don’t tweet much but I retweet some top-quality stuff a lot so check those out.
You can see Michael Owedale: #Blackbearsmatter at Pleasance Courtyard Bunker Two: 31st July – 25th August at 5:30pm. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
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