Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Charlie Vero-Martin: ‘This picnic turns into a one-woman wicker man’

Character comedian Charlie Vero-Martin brings her latest sketch show to the Fringe, hoping, in some way, to help save the world.

The planet is melting and life’s spinning out of control. Can Charlie, originally from Edinburgh, save it with a nice Picnic?

Jam-packed with stand-up, surreal characters and, perhaps most importantly, puppets, her show promises to be an indoor alfresco party like no other.

How are you feeling ahead of the Fringe?

Excited, nervous… it’s like when you’ve been queuing for Oblivion at Alton Towers for an hour and then they finally put the harness on you and you think, oh wait, is this a good idea?

What is your solo show Picnic about, and what inspired it?

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 falling out of my control. So there are a few dark twists in this show, which means this picnic turns into a one-woman wicker man.

What took you down the route of character comedy – and to puppets?

My first love is improv comedy. I love the freedom you have to play lots of characters and interact with everyone around you so my solo work grew quite organically out of that. When I moved to London I joined a group called Glitch – The Improvised Puppet Show.

During the years I worked with them throughout the UK, including at the Edinburgh Fringe, I was coached in puppeteering by other members who have worked with Henson, Star Wars, Disney and more. I have long been a fan of the Muppets. In fact, I’d say this show is a mix of The Muppet Show and Inside No.9.

What’s the play, Super, all about?

It’s a dark comedy about a couple who played Batman and Cat Woman on Hollywood Boulevard but have since split up – or where they ever really together? We hear both sides of the story as well as their experiences of fame, friendship and failure.

How do you feel about juggling two shows?

It’s a bit nerve wracking! I had always planned to do my solo show and was very reluctant to commit to another show but it’s rare I get offered a part that was written for me and the chance to work with other actors like Max Dowler. You have to grab the opportunities as they come!

What are your favourite memories from the festival?

I’ve seen so many incredible shows and met so many wonderful people from all over the world. I still work with people from New York I saw do a play about clowns 12 years ago. It’s also great when people I’ve flyered in 2017 continue to come and support me.

As someone from the city, how do you feel about the way the Fringe takes over the city?

It’s sad how much the venues and their bars take over so much public space. I remember being late to school because there was a big purple cow in the way. Schools going back bang in the middle of the Fringe has always seemed such a shame.

© Rebecca Need-Menear

If you were put in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?

I’ll try not to stand on my soap box too long… The Fringe and venue fees are too high for what performers are given in return. It can feel impossible for performers to break even never mind make a profit. Performers shouldn’t feel forced to do month-long runs (short runs can be just as expensive due to the way fees are staggered) with only one day off. There needs to be more transparency about where Fringe and venue fees are spent and more of that money going to subsidise accommodation.

How would you describe how you feel when your walk on music hits and you take a step out onto the stage?

I think I go blank at that point. But afterwards it’s like that feeling when you’re on the floor laughing with your best friend about something so stupid you start to go light-headed.

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?

There’s a really fun looking show on right after me in the same venue called Robo Bingo that I’m hoping to catch if they don’t mind me at the back covered in fake blood.

What’s your favourite one-liner?

You know what they say about oysters, don’t you? They make terrible pets.

Who’d be your dream…

Podcast co-host / guest

Catherine O’Hara

Karaoke duetter

Cookie Monster

Wrestling tag team partner

Kathryn Hahn

Comedian to split an hour with

Kristen Schaal

Charlie Vero-Martin: Picnic, 6:55pm, 3rd – 27th August (not 14th) at Underbelly Cowgate, Tickets here.