“EdFringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches.”
WHO: Sarah Roberts
WHAT: “An adorable debut from the world’s youngest, smallest, most normal comedian. Sarah Roberts has been condemned to live a thousand lives. She was Henry VIII in her previous life, ate her twin in the womb (not an accident), and most recently got facial reconstructive surgery. Now she’s being reborn as the person she hates most: herself. Directed by Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey. ‘Phenomenal new talent, destined for stardom’ (Catherine Bohart). ‘Remarkable’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘Certified hottie’ **** (TheSpyintheStalls.com). ‘Utterly self-absorbed’ (Chortle.co.uk). BBC Comedy Award nominee, Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year runner-up, level 9461 on Candy Crush.”
WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Box (Venue 8)
WHEN: 22:35 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I came up for the first time in 2022 with my friend Kiran Saggu. We did a split bill together at Just the Tonic, called Cake, and we started every show by giving a cake to the audience member with the worst reason to celebrate. We got so many good contenders; someone snogged a clown and caught a stomach bug from them, lots of people had just been dumped.
Edinburgh Fringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches. And the audiences are really special (even when they’re small). One night in 2022 we only got two girls in, and you know what? It was the best show we had. We all ended up becoming lifelong friends.
I returned to the Fringe last year to do a limited run of my work in progress show ‘Worm in Progress’ at midday. It was great because there was no pressure, and I had the whole afternoon and evening to see all my friends’ gorgeous shows. I’m trying to turn my nerves into excitement this year because it’s my debut so the stakes are a lot higher.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Mainly I’ve had lots of lessons in rejection. I’ve learned a lot!! Hopefully teachings I won’t need to use when I receive reviews this year (fingers crossed). I think I’ve also learned how difficult it is to write a show. Especially a personal one. So much of it is getting on stage, telling a story, and knowing immediately whether it feels icky or not. I’ve learned a lot about not giving too much of myself away.
The other thing I’ve learned is when in doubt, do tarot. Paulina Lenoir lives by the tarot and she’s passed it onto me. I’ve been doing tarot every night in the lead up to Fringe because it makes me feel in control of my destiny. Much more important than writing actually!
Tell us about your show.
It’s called Silkworm! And it’s a stand-up comedy show with some flourishes. I wrote it, and Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey are directing it. They’re amazing. The show interrogates my sense of self, and it’s kind of an anti-identity show, in that it’s about finding out who I’m not, instead of who I am. The show is centered around the double jaw surgery I got when I was 21 to “correct” a “facial deformity”, it reflects on that experience. And others, like finding out I was queer, finding out I wasn’t Native American, and realizing I’ve been perfect all along. It’s gross, dark, absurd, and very much for the girls.
It’s being produced by Bighead, which is run by Charlie Ralph. He’s the best, and he’s addicted to admin and freak women in comedy, which is exactly what you want in a producer. I’m so excited about his whole roster; Bebe Cave, Rosalie Minnitt, Paulina Lenoir. They are all incredible and I keep pinching myself that I’m going up with them.
This will be Silkworm’s grand debut (and mine)! I’m so excited for people to see the show, and I’d love to take it on the road after Edinburgh. I particularly love performing in Manchester, Bristol, and Brighton, so it would be a dream to take it there.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Omg so many I’m scared about how I’m gonna fit them all in. Kiran Saggu, Bella Hull, Bebe Cave, Katie Norris and Paulina Lenoir all have incredible shows that I’ve seen multiple times. I love them all. Andrew Doherty’s Gay Witch Sex Cult is unbelievably good, everyone must see it. Also, Joe Kent-Walters I haven’t seen yet but I’m so excited for. I love everything Olga Koch does, and Chelsea Birkby. Rosalie Minnitt is coming back with Clementine and that is just absolutely perfect (I’ve seen it 3 times). Also John Tothill wow. There are also just so many great debuts, from Will Owen, Dee Allum, Amy Mason, Kemah Bob, Alfie Packham, Freya Mallard, Rich Spalding. Fringe is overflowing with incredible shows. Is this too much? I could go on forever.
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 