“Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.”
WHO: Jess Carrivick
WHAT: “A character comic ‘gearing up to conquer’ (Dawn French). In 2024, her WIP Attention Seeker was a ***** ‘masterclass’ (GetYourCoatsOn.com) at the Edinburgh Fringe. This BAFTA Rocliffe shortlist writer hosts the sell-out night Laugh Lines and is a Sketch Off 2025 finalist. Her debut solo hour, directed by Elf Lyons, takes you back to when stories were for family, not viral views. Inspired by her own home movies, Jess creates a universe of characters once meant for her living room. Each vignette is a cinematic tribute to her dressing-up box.”
WHERE: Bothie at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24)
WHEN: 13:20 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This will be my 4th time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe BUT this will be my official debut comedy hour! Last year I workshopped a WIP character comedy show ‘Attention Seeker’, which received 5 Stars from GYCO. (Reviewer Chris Goulding automatically became my favourite person of 2024).
Being able to workshop something for a month, performing every day to people you don’t know, is what Edinburgh is all about. You get to try new things, fail and flourish in real time. Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Looking after yourself is your no.1 priority! In a solo show, you don’t have anyone to cover you, so treat yourself well. I ate lots of bananas, went to bed early (when I could) and avoided alcohol. I am sure that makes me sound really fun but last year I didn’t go up to just have fun, I went to work. After my 8th show my neck and shoulder muscles were so tight that it was straining my voice. My first Saturday night at the Fringe consisted of a Thai massage on Blair Street, takeaway pizza, a bubble bath and in bed by 10pm. Luckily I then had a day off, put myself on vocal rest and was back to full health for my 9th show. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.
This year, I am going into it knowing what my body can and can’t handle. I am ready to have more fun, socialising and network but always with a banana in my pocket.
Tell us about your show.
I’ve taken seeds from my WIP show ‘Attention Seeker’ and used inspiration from my home movie catalogue to form new characters for my debut comedy hour. My show ‘For Your Consideration’ started as a love letter to my dressing-up box but has secretly become a love letter to my siblings. Watching old video clips has reminded me how magic it was to play with them and share an imagination together. There is something so special about watching kids with a video camera knowing that it was never meant for anyone else but them.
Edinburgh will be the first time it really gets tested and I am looking forward to seeing how the show evolves and adapts this August. I hope to give it more time in London and potentially explore international Fringes.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
It goes without saying, my amazing director Elf Lyons is performing her bird trilogy… Raven, Chiff Chaff and Swan. She’s bloody brilliant – you have to see her!
If you like a little alternative character comedy, I think the following people will tickle your pickle:
Lorna Rose Treen, Kit Lloyd, Christian Dart (Gumshoe), Christiaan Hendriksen, and the whole BigHead Comedy line-up.
Some other shows I am desperate to see include Abbie Murphy, Adele Cliff, ‘People We Bury Alive’, ‘L.A. Baby’ and ‘Emily Wilson: Undressed’.
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Get Your Coats On 