Tell us about your Fringe show
My show is centered around me discovering myself, finding out where I belong. I grew up in Britain, then moved to Nigeria when I was 10, and then back here when I was 16. It’s all about discovery and exploration. I want somewhere to claim me!
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
It’s a challenge because you hear so many stories about the Fringe, but it’s a rite of passage and I can tell people that I’ve done it. You can’t deny that when you come back, your comedy is going to be sharper as you do an hour show every day, for 4 weeks straight.
Best live act seen at Fringe?
Last year I saw Danny Bhoy during one of those late night shows and he was really really good. It was great watching him perform, his subjects were so random and he portrayed them so well, it was nice to watch.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The burgers and the hotdogs. I’m telling you, outside the Gilded Balloon you can get these Angus beef burgers with cheese and bacon. No matter how a show goes, I can always look forward to that.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
I get a bit homesick and tired, and at some point my body’s like, “Really? Again?”
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
I came to the conclusion that I would be a criminal lawyer because I love the Crime channel. When they followed me on Twitter I lost my mind. But I’m not sure if I would be a prosecutor or defence.
What do your family think of your show?
I get on their nerves because I’m always asking, “is this funny?”, and they’re like, “leave us alone”. But they are proud of me and my dad will like the parts where I talk about growing up. Although sometimes they take it too literally.
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
I remind myself that it’s just a gig and I tell myself to stay calm. It’s got better over the years, I know I just have to be myself.
Worst on stage experience?
I’ve never had a worst experience. The first time I was at the Comedy Store, I had just got through a few competitions and was feeling good. But on the bill were people like Rob Beckett and Joe Lycett, and it made me realise I had to write more material.
How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?
It’s really easy, I just play the race card, even if the heckle’s nothing to do with race. Not really. I don’t normally get heckled, but if I do I just run with it. I never try to make them feel bad.
What do you love about Scotland?
I’ve not really been to other parts of the country, only Edinburgh, so it’s hard to say one thing in particular – and I know everyone says this, but I do love the accent.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
I love the culture, the old roads and the castle, it feels like going back in time.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I’ve eaten shortbread biscuits.
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
Kevin Bridges, love love love Kevin Bridges. I love how he talks, how he sets up his jokes, I think he’s amazing.
Funmbi Omotayo’s debut stand up hour ‘Legal Immigrant’ will be at the Gilded Balloon from 6th – 30th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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