Natasha Norman discusses being the best thing about the Fringe and tells us her favourite joke...
Tell us about your Fringe show
It’s about my experience working as a journalist in Pakistan, specifically framed around a lesbian Tinder date I (unwittingly) went on in Karachi. It turned out my date’s father was kidnapped by the Taliban, which made for pretty dull first-date conversation.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
Utterly incredible. This has been a dream for years and I still can’t quite believe it’s coming to fruition. I don’t think it will feel real until I’m on stage that first night.
Best live act seen at Fringe?
Never been. But the answer will be “my show.”
Best thing about the Fringe?
My show.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
My show will only be on for ten days.
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
I’d be a journalist. Which I actually am right now… But, if I weren’t a performer, a journalist, or insane enough to do both at the same time, I’d probably be someone not sleep-deprived.
What do your family think of your show?
They love it. I can’t say they all understand it, but they’ve been wildly supportive. However, give that some of them feature in it, I suspect they’ll probably feel differently after they’ve seen it.
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
I get slapped by my director.
Worst on stage experience?
When I was 12 and froze during a school musical, forgetting about a quarter of the lines to my song. I tried to compensate with some improvised dance. It didn’t end well.
How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?
Whiskey.
What do you love about Scotland?
Whiskey.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It’s breathtaking beauty and the fact that it’s home to the Fringe.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Worn a kilt. (Okay, it was a skirt.)
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
[Insert first Google result for “Scottish comedian” here]
Favourite joke?
Q: Why was six afraid of seven?
A: ‘Cos seven was a known six-offender.
Natasha Noman’s debut comedy show ‘Noman’s Land’ will be at the Gilded Balloon from 5th – 15th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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