Interview with ​Juliette Burton

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

Interview with ​Juliette Burton

Hello!

Hello there!

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I'm Juliette Burton, a docu-comedian, crazy person, writer, performer, presenter and human.

How would you describe your show?

'Juliette Burton: Butterfly Effect' is a comedy about kindness. With animations and hidden camera footage, I find out whether kindness can change the world – can small acts of kindness change lives? The world needs more kindness so my show is focused on it. To find out more search #DareToBeKind on my Twitter feed @JulietteBurton, watch my YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/TheJulietteBurton - or just come to the show!

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

I've performed there every year since 2011. And it's the month around which my whole year hinges. Plus the last two year's I've sold out every day – fingers crossed we can make it a hat trick!

What differentiates it from other festivals?

Edinburgh is the biggest arts festival in the world and it's a life-changing place. It, for me, is the only place I've been that feels like home.

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

This will be my 12th year since my first Edinburgh Fringe as a visitor, 7th as a performer of my own shows. Every year has been a very different because each show I spend a year creating and pouring myself into is very different. This year for example I wrote the show to help me cope with a lot of personal problems I was struggling with. However, while the shows are different, the pattern of the Fringe is always similar; excitement, exhaustion and life-changing moments. Gaining a following of lovely people has been the biggest change personally. Overall Edinburgh Fringe is a beautiful contradiction; ever-changing but ever the same.

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

I was very ill in my tees and 20s due to mental health conditions. I realised if I make people laugh then they'd listen to stories about my mental health that otherwise would be awkward. I love hearing people laugh at the misconceptions surrounding experiences I've felt alone with and I know others have too.

One of my inspirations is TapeFace – who is on at this year's Fringe so book ahead as he sells out in advance super-fast. His comedy is very inclusive, warm, whimsical and makes the audience the heroes of the show. Without them, there is no show. That's what I always want – to make the audience feel loved, hopeful and gleefully giddy by the time they leave.

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

Something else and wishing I was doing this.

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

This one – it really is exactly what I want to do. I just want to do it more.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Being cast as the Star of Bethlehem in my school nativity play. I really wanted to be Mary but turned out I had more lines and a kick-ass solo to sing. I can still remember it. I was hooked from then on. I love performing – giving voice to my truest feelings through reimagined words.

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

My show this year is about kindness… I don't commentate on politics hugely but it's certainly a response to how powerless I have felt over world events as well as my own personal problems – so I decided to zone in on the one power I do have – how I treat other people. Writing and performing the show, has certainly helped me feel more empowered – and I hope empowers audiences too.

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

In all honestly, not that I'm aware of. If anything, I've found my voice through performing – it's always been there deep down, all that has shifted is my ability to vocalise it through comedy. The only other shift I've noticed is that fewer and fewer people are saying things like "I don't think women are funny"…hopefully because fewer people are misinformed idiots.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

What on earth's going on?!

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

Joan of Arc – she had mental health conditions but turned it into being a strong female leader.

Either that or myself from 5 years time – then I can learn from my mistakes before making them.

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 enjoyed both for different reasons; on free fringe and loved packing out a 60 seat venue with 100 people every day (no health and safety advisor would've been ok with that!) and the money the audience gives you goes straight to you – it's direct. The ticketed shows I've done though are the ones where I have the support of a whole team on site. The audience has a different experience at a ticketed show, with Front of House staff, box office staff and more to add to the escapism. There's also more theatrical choices (lighting options, sound, tech) for me to elevate the show in other ways.

Both are awesome and both create the wonderful mix Edinburgh is – without one or the other it wouldn't be Fringe!

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

Do it. Go first as a punter to do your research, suss out venues, the city, the geography and the dos and don'ts. See as many shows as you can and observe flyerers, ask questions and learn from watching it all. Then return again and again, learning every year from every experience. Most of all - do it.

When and where can people see your show?

2 to 27 August, 4.30pm at Gilded Balloon, Bristo Square

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

  • Twitter - @JulietteBurton
  • Facebook – Juliette Burton Writer Performer
  • Instagram - @juliette_burton
  • YouTube – TheJulietteBurton

Juliette Burton: Butterfly Effect is performing at The Gilded Balloon at 16:30 on 2nd – 27th (not 14th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.

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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