James Meehan on Classism and his Fringe debut.
1 Tell me about your Fringe show, Class Act
It's a look at classism in the comedy industry as well as being a fond look at my home town and family. It also includes jokes about wee and stuff if that's more your bag.
2 What inspired the show?
An audition I had a few months ago caused me to write Class Act, but the sad state of affairs this country is currently in certainly helped it along.
Read more: Mark Dolan on Life Hacks, Edinburgh pub crawls and surviving the Fringe
3 This is your debut solo Fringe show, any nerves?
I'm nervous, but not too much. I'm lucky enough that I've done this before in groups (Gein's Family Giftshop and Funz and Gamez). The whole key is just to enjoy yourself. I've a show I'm proud of and going to enjoy showing it off.
4 Your show’s about classism, is this something you’ve experienced?
I have experienced classism yeah. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a white man and have it better than a whole bunch of people, but I get into all of this in the show.
5 Is too much emphasis placed on class in modern society?
I think there is a misconception that people who are poor are stupid or idiots, therefore working class people tend not to have a voice in modern society because what would they know? I am one of those people and although I may be an idiot I will happily shout about as loud as possible until someone hears me.
6 How did it feel to win the Foster’s Edinburgh Panel Prize with Funz and Gamez in 2014?
That was lovely and a massive surprise. Plus it totally legitimised my career choice to my family after five years of struggling.
Read more: Mark Dolan on Life Hacks, Edinburgh pub crawls and surviving the Fringe
7 You’re working on an animated pilot, what can you say about it?
It's called Space Dads. A group of idiots get trapped in space on a rocket powered by one of their Dad's computers. I finished the script last year and we recorded the dialogue it in a studio in December.
I'm really excited about it. The cast is incredible: Joe Gilgun, James Acaster, Kath Hughes, Brett Goldstein and Scroobius Pip.
8 Why comedy?
It's better to laugh about your life than cry about it. Both are good on occasions though.
9 Who inspires you?
I got into writing comedy after watching Flight of the Conchords, such exceptional dialogue. Other favourites include The League of Gentlemen, Pajama Men, Alun Cochrane and Maria Bamford.
Read more: Mark Dolan on Life Hacks, Edinburgh pub crawls and surviving the Fringe
10 What makes the Fringe special?
Stumbling into a show by someone you've never heard of and it being incredible. Also macaroni pies.
11 Any acts you’re hoping to catch at the Fringe?
Acts that need to be seen during the fringe include... *clears throat*...
Will Duggan, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Mat Ewins Brennan, Reece Michael, J Dolan, Chris Stokes, Jamali Maddix, Pete Otway, Phil Ellis, Jack Evans, Jayde Adams, Jordan Brookes, Goose, Harriet Dyer. There are so many, I could list hundreds. See them all!
James Meehan will perform Class Act at Just the Tonic at The Tron until August 28.
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