Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello reader, nice to meet you. My name is Michael.
I like your glasses
How would you describe your show?
I would say it's like Billy Elliot the Musical meets Frozen meets Paul Greengrass's film Bloody Sunday.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Well because it's the biggest arts festival in the world and if I keep performing at it, my father might eventually accept me for who I am and tell me he loves me.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
It depends which festival you compare it to. Take Glastonbury for example, it has way more toilets, and food stalls and really cool secret gigs. Plus they get the likes of massive bands like Radiohead performing. It's not a criticism, it's just an observation
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
I think the fringe has had many changes over the years. In the 70s, it was quite popular to have the fringe very long, loose, and flowing. Then of course in the 80s, fringes were getting permed or hairsprayed up away from the face. The 90s was a slight dip for the fringe, as that was the decade that spawned 'The Rachel' hairstyle, which left the fringe subtly brushed to the side. However in the late naughties, the fringe made a huge comeback, with the likes of Kate Moss and Zooey Deschanel making this retro look fashionable again. These days, it's popularity is weaning slightly, however it's still common to see the fringe combined with a simple, shoulder length cut. Overall I think it's positive to see the changes, it makes it interesting. Plus now with the arrival of the 'clip on fringe', it proves the public aren't ready to get rid of it completely
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I thought to myself, what can I do to get my father's approval. And I remember thinking, well he's happiest when he's watching Roy Chubby Brown DVDs. Maybe I could be a comedian too, so I watched all of his Roy Chubby Brown DVDs and a few of Jim Davidsons, and then I moved to London and just took the plunge
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Probably working in scientific research, delving into unanswered questions such as; 'How many times would you have to throw a 1p coin at a horse to kill it'.
Well maybe not that exact question. Because I already know the answer. 397,062
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Oh my, well if it was any job in the world, I've always dreamed of being one of those people who come over to help you at the self checkout machines, when it starts flashing saying 'unexpected item in bagging area'. Those guys are awesome.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I remember reaching into my mother's handbag and pulling out a pen, and drawing the New York skyline to scale on the sofa. I think I was only 8 months old at the time. My mother seeing the drawing, and straight away spotting my talents, sent me off to art college. I haven't seen her since, but I heard the sofa was recently sold at Christie's for £3.2million.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
No. But I would like to take this opportunity to say that I don't think Thatcher should be closing down the mines. We need to be putting more money into the public services.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
When Trump got voted in, I remember getting a tweet saying 'Trump's now president, so f**k you and your s***y comedy, you f**king piece of f**king sh*t eating maggot. No-ones going to come see your comedy anymore, so good luck with the next 4 years Tw*t'.
The thing that surprised me the most, was it was more than 140 characters, so I've no idea how she managed to send it.
But I haven't let it affect my work, because I'm not a politlcal or topical comedian, I only ever do silly, harmless stories about a made up place in Northern Ireland, so I don't know why that lady was so angry.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Big bag of badger piss.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I would say Paul Poiret, who was a French fashion designer from the late 1800s. Probably best known for his development of the dressmaking technique known as draping. An incredibly talented man, with an expectational eye for detail, I'm sure I would've learnt a lot.
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?
One you have to re-mortgage your house for, the other you don't. It's 6 and half a dozen really, it comes down to whether or not you enjoy having massive debt or not. Luckily I do. Makes me feel alive.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
My advice would be to plan your route ahead of time, check your tyre pressures, and drive safely. It's not a race, to find out who gets there first, so just enjoy it. Get a playlist together, or a decent audio book.
When and where can people see your show?
When and where can people see your show?
I'm on at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival during the month of August. Please come along!
(Publicist edit: He's on at the Pleasance Courtyard, Below, 6pm, 2nd -25th August).
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Michael Stranney: Welcome to Ballybeg is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 18:00 on 2nd – 25th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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