“That all sounds very self-important. Maybe I just need a pedestal.”
WHO: Arran Birks
WHAT: “I’m a liar. You’re a liar. We’re all liars. But why? On a mission to find out is solo comedian Arran Birks. During the show, Birks breaks down the woes of his ex-corporate job, faces the fears of his health issues, and encounters a lie detector that fights back. Formerly of the Oxford Revue, Arran Birks gets honest about being dishonest.”
WHERE: Strathmore Bar (Venue 160)
WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my fifth time in Edinburgh, fourth time as a visitor to family, third time at the fringe, second time as a performer (I performed with the Oxford Revue last year), first time as a solo performer. The fringe is a vital and comprehensive celebration of all things entertainment. I always get drawn back because while promotion and performing are overwhelmingly competitive, there doesn’t exist a better place to perform or watch comedy acts. In my opinion.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I put off trying to do a solo stand-up show for years because I thought I wasn’t ‘ready yet’. At the beginning of 2023, I gave in to the unexplainable insuppressible urge that the time for waiting was over and I should just do it. From this, I would think that a lesson 2022 taught me was that I should stop waiting for something to happen to me and go out and make it happen myself. But that all sounds very self-important. Maybe I just need a pedestal.
Tell us about your show.
My show ‘Arran Birks: Truth Hurts’ was entirely created and written by me. I haven’t premiered anything pre-Edinburgh – the festival shows will be the only shows. Unless someone likes it and wants me to perform in their garden or something. The process of making it took about seven months on-and-off, while I debated with myself whether it was a good idea. I eventually convinced myself I wanted to know what a stand-up set marred by an annoying lie detector would be like. Safe to say I am significantly bricking it.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
My brother Fraser Birks is doing a show called ‘How to Prevent the AI Apocalypse’, which is through PBH’s Free Fringe, just like my show. His differs from mine in that his is a Science & Rationalism show, and those are a rare breed at the fringe. His show is well worth seeing for it being the perfect balance of informative, thought-provoking, & funny. We could all do well learning more about Artificial Intelligence!
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!
INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!
Get Your Coats On 