Interview with Ed Gamble

Ed Gamble takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Interview with Ed Gamble

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hello reader. I'm Ed Gamble, and I am a comedian.

How would you describe your show?

A stand-up show about coming to terms with the lies I've told myself about my personality. But not as lofty as that sounds. I think most orifices get a shout out.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Because it's my 12th one. It offers comedians a structure that they wouldn't otherwise have in their careers. No matter how long you've been doing it, I think 27 shows in a row will always improve you as an act.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

The sheer slog of it. Comics from other countries can't believe we do that many hour-long shows in a row, with extra gigs on top. You learn to find your own rhythm, but it's a different prospect to other festivals I have done. I did NZ Comedy Festival recently and only had to do 8 shows. It was bliss.

Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?

It's certainly gotten bigger. But when I started doing it was in 2005, when I think the growth had already started, as had the commercialisation. As such, I don't really have a problem with it as this seems like the natural evolution of what I have always seen. The festival has changed for me personally. It used to be an excuse to drink heavily every night, now I like to keep my head down and do the work. It's been instrumental in my discovery that I am a very boring person.

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

I certainly didn't think of it as "entering the industry". I did it as a hobby and had no thought that I would ever be able to do it professionally. When I was in a sketch group at Uni we used to see so many shows over the run and we were hugely inspired by We Are Klang especially. The live atmosphere they created, like you were watching something completely unique to that night, was exactly what I always wanted to emulate.

If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Chef/policeman/chef & policeman like Pie in the Sky. I definitely would've trained for some sort of catering degree. And still might.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

Wolverine

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Saving my teddy bear from a line of ants in a tree.

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

Yes, but I entirely ignore it as it's not my strength. Some people are excellent at political comedy and satire, I don't think I'm one of those people.

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

I don't really know what you mean by this so I'm going to ignore it and google pictures of ducklings.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Probably the last year ever

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

Lesley Nielsen. Probably my favourite comedy actor ever. Having said that, if I was in a scene with him I absolutely would not be able to keep a straight face so would be immediately fired.

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've done both, and loved both. Free was perfect for me when I did it as it allowed to me to focus on the show without worrying about ticket sales and knowing that there would be people there to watch me. Now, hopefully, a few more people know who I am and want to pay to see me - and the room I have at the Pleasance allows me to do a few more technical things that I may not have been able to do on the free / PWYW model. My year on the free fringe in 2015 definitely ranks as one of the funnest Fringes I have had though.

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

Try and enjoy yourself, and prepare for admin and losing money. Also, don't do it. It's too busy here now and we're on a one in one out system.

When and where can people see your show?

2 - 27th August, 7.15pm, Pleasance Courtyard.

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

Twitter / Insta: @EdGambleComedy


Ed Gamble performs Mammoth at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, at the Pleasance Upstairs, from 2nd - 27th August at 7:15pm, ahead of a nationwide tour. More info and tickets are available atwww.edgamble.co.uk.

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.

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by Tom Inniss

0 Comments

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now

You might also like

The place for creativity in the corporate world

The place for creativity in the corporate world

by Guest Contributor

Read now