“After the pandemic I wanted to make a big, fun, silly sketch show full of characters and puppets and joy – so I did!”
WHO: Charlie Vero-Martin
WHAT: “The planet is melting and life’s spinning out of control. Can Charlie save it with a nice picnic? Sneaky salamanders, sexy fishies and passive-aggressive pinecones try to distract her attempts to put the world right. Just beware, this summer ritual might turn into a one-woman Wicker Man… Get ready for big laughs from Scottish comedian Charlie Vero-Martin (BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland, Sketch Off finalist 2023) in her seriously joyful sketch show full of characters, puppets and surprises. ‘Jam-packed with laughter… charming, hilarious and beautiful. An absolute must-see’ **** (EdFestMag.com).”
WHERE: Underbelly, Cowgate – Delhi Belly (Venue 61)
WHEN: 18:55 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
First off, I’m from Edinburgh so I’ve been quite a lot! But in terms of the Fringe, I’ve taken three solo shows and done runs with my previous improv groups, Glitch – The Improvised Puppet Show and Blind Mirth. However, this is my first time taking a show since 2019. I’m making up for lost time though by doing two shows! I’ll be doing a play called Super at Pleasance Courtyard at 13:45 and my own comedy show, Picnic, at Underbelly Cowgate at 18:55. Plus a few other guest spots and gigs with nights like ACMS. So busy busy…
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
It’s been really nice taking the time to develop this show. Pre-pandemic there was a feeling that you should bash out a new show every year. In a way, I really liked the push to create new work and experiment but taking longer on this show has allowed me to work with new people and experiment in other ways.
Tell us about your show.
After the pandemic I wanted to make a big, fun, silly sketch show full of characters and puppets and joy – so I did! But I realised a lot of that was born out of my panic about the world feeling out of my control: lockdowns, climate crisis, being in my 30s, housing crisis… so in the show I decide to take matters into my own hands as a result. Let’s just say this picnic turns into a bit of a Midsommar ritual.
I’ve done work-in-progresses at VAULT fest, Glasgow and Leicester comedy festivals but really happy to be bringing it home to Edinburgh. This is also my first time working with a director. I met Kat Cade when she was with her sketch group Kitten Killers years ago but was reintroduced through the Soho Theatre and it’s been a match made in heaven. The show also involves a cameo from Daniella Finch who I met while studying Clown at Gaulier last year. She’s hilarious even though she says nothing.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
There’s a really fun looking show on right after me in the same venue called Robo Bingo by Fox Dog Studios that I’m hoping to catch if they don’t mind me at the back covered in fake blood. They’re from Manchester and have some mad looking props, which I approve of. Before me is Pleasure Little Treasure by Elina Alminas about growing up in a post-Soviet strip club in Estonia. She’s also 8 months pregnant! I’m really excited to see her show as she’s a great performer and it sounds incredibly interesting. I’m also so happy to hear that Mike Birbiglia is coming to Edinburgh as he’s been one of my favourite comedians for well over a decade. There are also lots of fellow character comedy gals such as Lorna Rose Treen, Kathy Maniura, Laura Ramoso and Rosalie Minnitt who are all nuts and delightful.
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