“You spend a lot of a career in the arts waiting for the “right” time. For the moment when you’re finally cooked and ready to serve (slay). The longer I waited for that, for that feeling that I was “done”, I realised that there is no right time. Just now.”
WHO: Alice Tovey
WHAT: “Just before her wedding, Alice’s father returned home from prison. Glass Houses is a love letter to family, showing us that love conquers all – even the prison industrial complex. Through stand-up, stories and original song, Alice Tovey tells the story of a cancelled wedding, budgies, and a chef in a show about learning our parents are human, and choosing empathy over isolation. ‘Tovey is at the forefront of a new age of comedy excellence’ ***** (TheMusic.com.au). Written and performed by Alice Tovey. Directed by Gen Fricker.”
WHERE: Delhi Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61)
WHEN: 21:55 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
It’s been a dream of mine since I was a teenager to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. When I turned 21, as a birthday gift all of my friends gathered money in a hat as a “Get Alice to the Fringe Fund.” 11 years later, I’m making a dream come true. Do I have any of that 21st birthday money left? Let’s say yes and not check my bank statements, out of respect.
The one thing that makes a festival truly great is the punters. I love crowds that are willing to take a risk on something new, or something batshit. As a debut artist who is luckily a bit insane, I look forward to meeting my people. Come and get me, fellow nutbars!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve learned to trust my gut and go for it. You spend a lot of a career in the arts waiting for the “right” time. For the moment when you’re finally cooked and ready to serve (slay). The longer I waited for that, for that feeling that I was “done”, I realised that there is no right time. Just now. It sounds like something you’d chuck on the side of a scented candle, but I am enough. Guts and all.
Tell us about your show.
I wrote the script and songs for this show, with the guidance of my director, and composed the songs on a little keyboard at my desk.
But enough about me, let’s talk about THE GIRLS.
I am thrilled to be working on this show with two of my favourite girlies: my director Gen Fricker, and my producer Penny Gleeson. I work with both of these legends on the TV show ‘Gruen’ in Australia. I asked Gen to direct this show because she’s one of the best stand up comedians in the country, and I am a worm with so much to learn. It’s a privilege to observe her brain at work. And the same can be said of Penny, who will one day run this industry with a well manicured fist. Penny is a queen who saw that I am an organisational black hole and was like “when are you gonna finally let me produce your show.” And now she is and oh my god am I grateful for this beautiful woman. Also, shout out to my hard working, darling publicist Marissa Burgess, who handles too many emails and does it with so much grace.
The show premiered at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025; my home town. I was so happy with it then, and it’s only getting better with age. Like wine or yoghurt (I hope). As to where it goes next, the sky’s the limit babbbyyyy. We’re taking family trauma comedy on the road for all to see! Clear the Globe Theatre, tell Broadway I’m coming. If you want to see this show, I will jump on a plane and bring it to you.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Get out and support the Australians! You should see Grace Jarvis, Eloise Eftos, Breaking the Musical, Ben Volchok, Mel & Sam, Jeromaia Detto, Garry Starr, and anyone else that shares my silly accent.
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