“I’m old, I’m Irish, I’m a pensioner, I worked in the Civil Service. I’m going to use wahtever I can to find things in common to drag the audiences in.”

WHO: Gerry Carroll

WHAT: “A solo show exploring life and light. Delightful, true and entertaining personal stories about being a 71-year-old human. And clown. Gerry’s made a show of himself – again. It’s about being young and being old. He uses storytelling, clowning, song and dance to create a unique hour. You’ll have to see it to believe it. This is Gerry’s most personal show yet as he uses his ‘charmingly defiant’ style (Chortle.co.uk, 2021) to bring you an uplifting hour. A Dublin childhood, life in the UK – and the science of light and lightness.”

WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Snug (Venue 152) 

WHEN: 11:00 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

---

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first went to Edfringe as part of a troupe doing horror-themed improv for a week in 2015. I was awe-struck. The first time I did a full run with a solo show was in 2018. I was so excited I phoned my bank to tell them I was going to Scotland for a month but apparently I diddn’y have to tell them as it’s not abroad.

I open my show “Light” this year with a bit about how I’m only really alive for the monthe of August, at the Fringe. The rest of the year I’m hibernating, repreparing, recovering.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Getting the word out early! I did a full run last year, and the only full house I had was on the last day because Elf Lyons tweeted out about the show. Tell everyone, tell them early and tell them often. Plan to saturate your socials and never shut up about it.

Find all the angles- I’m old, I’m Irish, I’m a pensioner, I worked in the Civil Service. I’m going to use wahtever I can to find things in common to drag the audiences in.

Tell us about your show.

I created this show. It turns out I need to do a show about the wonder of being alive, about family, ageing and the importance of an apple in my life. I’ve practised clown and stand-up and I use them in the show but it’s mostly story-telling. And me. I’ve had some wonderful interactions with audiences during a few previews I idi in Brighton Fringe. I’m looking forward to more in Edinburgh. I’m on at a great time, 11 a.m., to give people a fresh start to their day. I have fun doing th eshow and theaudience enjoy it too.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Horses by Elf Lyons, her shows are always hilarious and true.

Alexa, Play by Alexa Elmy, a brilliant idea for a show, I can’t wait to see it.

Chopped Liver and Unions, Blue Fire Theatre, singing radicals! Must see.

I am Your Tribute, Sarah Louise Young A great solo artist with a new show

Tom Greaves, Fudgey I saw a version of this last year, hilarious and sad.

One Eyed Scouts, improv troupe, always hilarious. I’m in this too!

---

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!