“Obviously, I belong to the category of those going to Edinburgh and my life now completely revolves around it.”
WHO: Stefania Licari
WHAT: “Following her hit show Medico, Stefania Licari returns with a brand-new stand-up hour. Drawing on her experience as an NHS doctor, first-generation migrant, comedian and sometime endurance runner, she explores the diverse roles of women in today’s world. From the operating theatre to the theatre stage, via an ultra-marathon through the Sahara, Stefania reflects on the big question: what are we running to and from? Multi award-winning Stefania sold out venues and earned rave reviews for Medico. Her follow-up promises to deliver her most personal, thought-provoking and side-splitting material yet.”
WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dexter (Venue 302)
WHEN: 16:15 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my third consecutive time at Edinburgh. It’s an interesting mixture of emotions.
It feels like the comedy world is divided between those comics going to Edinburgh and those not going. Obviously, I belong to the category of those going to Edinburgh and my life now completely revolves around it.
From the preparations to the moment the festival starts and ends it’s a rollercoaster of looking forward to playing this amazing venue to then waking up in the middle of the night questioning why I’m going instead of getting a suntan on holiday for considerably less money.
It’s a constant reminder of how much you’re investing and the sacrifices you’re making to be there. It also doesn’t take much to knock your confidence, as the festival gets closer. It’s like the day before your period starts. In fact, I’d describe the weeks before Edinburgh as a hormonal challenge!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I tend to dive into things before I’m fully ready and every single Edinburgh has been like that so far. It’s like trying to run a marathon before you’re ready for a 10k. But it works!
I think that’s the way to go in life. If you wait for the right moment, then it might never happen.
Although it gives me a high-level of anxiety with the preparations and stress!
I think the universe rewards bravery. It’s tough, but in the grand scheme it works.
Tell us about your show.
I have a wonderful team. It’s myself as writer/perfomer. The director Chris Head and Nathan Cassidy who also helped with the writing. Production is by Ben Weaver-Hinks and publicity by Patrick Gough at Wilberforce PR.
My best friend Michael is also crucial. We have a tradition before every show that he tells me to ‘break a leg’. I don’t know any more if I want to hear that as encouragement or that I’m so freaking superstitious! I feel the show is landing with audiences in the way that we designed it. I wanted a show that made people stop and think.
Judging from the previews, I think we’ve achieved that. After the show, I’ve had both men and women telling me that the messages are powerful, and the narrative is so extraordinary that they’ve been moved by it. It’s encouraging and I wanted to do a stand-up show with layers of messages. It will be good if the show is funny as well!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
It’s extremely heartwarming that many of my favourite comics are there. Definitely go and see my friends Nathan Cassidy and Elena Mazzon who both have fantastic shows. I’ve also just found out that the Australian comic Hannah Gadsby is performing near the same venue as me (Underbelly) next week. I’m such a fan and even by association, it’s so uplifting.
On a personal level, I have many friends who will be there, and we can support each other. It can be as simple as the right word, or a big hug and you get all the reassurance you need.
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 