Myra Dubois talks about her new show, Self AdMyra.
Tell us about your Fringe show
'Self AdMyra' is a straight forward, no-nonsense hour with me, Myra DuBois, the self-declared siren of South Yorkshire. I shall be displaying my many talents including (but not limited to); singer, comedienne, poet, authoress, philosopher, game-show hostess, with a touch of self-help thrown in that I've been developing with my Guru Malcolm, who was ex-communicated from the Church of England for writing Twilight fan-fiction.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Everyone you meet is involved in the same business as you, even if just as an audience member. It's a huge gathering of like minded-people and a wonderful opportunity to 'talk shop' for a solid month without boring anyone rigid. Also, it happens in one of the most stunningly beautiful cities I've ever had the good fortune to experience with awe-inspiring architecture (that might be a little taxing on the feet) and that wonderful smell of wheat and hops that fills the city each night from about 6pm. Magical. Can you imagine we were on the fringe of the Milton Keynes International festival? Oh, that would be awful.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The rent. I'm personally being flown up from London each day by a privately charted jet to save money.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I haven't been to the Fringe since 2013! Which feels like ever such a long time ago. I was there every year from 2010 - 2013 in some guise or another though and I'm chomping at the bit to make a return with my first solo comedy show!
Favourite Fringe venue?
Of course, I love the Gilded Balloon, it's like Hogwarts Castle and that's a wonderful thing; I'm a big fan of an old Gothic pile. I could, however, be accused of blinkered favouritism because it's the venue that I'm appearing at so I'm also going to chuck in a shout out to the Voodoo Rooms, who have some of the best 'mixologists' in the city! It's very opulently decorated, just the right atmosphere for sipping a cocktail and taking in a show. I've had a lot of friends and associates with a show in that venue over the years and it's always a joy to visit. I look forward to separating them from a few Espresso Martini's this summer.
Best Fringe memory?
I've had to think long and hard about this one, the problem being that when it comes to my best experiences at the Fringe, I often have very little memory of them. The ones that do pop to the surface of my memory leave me thinking that I might face a lawsuit if I were to name names. Let's just saw that over the years Edinburgh has most certainly showed me a good time!
Best heckle?
I think anyone with enough intelligence to think of something genuinely funny to say during a show also has the intelligence to keep it to themselves. I've never had a heckle that I've felt compelled to commit to memory; let's put it that way.
Craziest on stage experience?
I couldn't possibly comment.
What’s on your rider?
A bottle of gin of no lower quality than 'Gordons' and a decent bottled tonic water.
How do you wind down after a show?
I often find that after a show my adrenaline levels are set to 'maximum', so it's important that I chase that buzz with booze after a show. Other little hints and tips at self-help such as this are the backbone of 'Self AdMyra', really.
What do you love about Scotland?
The money, I think it's adorable. Like a daily game of monopoly. Your Greggs are also better than ours too, offering up Scotch and Macaroni pies!
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It's beautiful grim and grisly history. And the whisky, of course.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Voted to remain in the EU.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Drink based humour tends to go down very well. I don't know if there's ever been any sociological study into why this might be...
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Your whisky is world renowned, and call me old fashioned but I love the homely warmth provided by haggis, tatties and neeps.
Myra Dubois: Self AdMyra is on at the Gilded Balloon Teviot Nightclub 3rd – 28th August, 9.15pm. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com
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