Having recently featured on the likes of QI and House of Games, Kemah Bob brings her highly-anticipated debut hour to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Miss Fortunate tells the story of how she began to make a name for herself on the UK scene having moved from her native Texas to pursue comedy, but then, in 2023, found herself returning from a holiday in Thailand having spent all her life savings…
Here, she answers our festival Q&A.
How are you feeling about making your Fringe debut?
I’m feeling excited and apprehensive. There are bound to be loads of new feelings and experiences. I’m not sure if I want all of them haha. But I’m excited to get to hang with my friends and share my show with folks!
What made you decide this was the right time to do your first Fringe hour?
I think a lot of artists are pushed to do their first shows before they’re actually ready. I don’t mean as far as skill and talent, but the emotional readiness and fortitude to be in such a stressful and pressurized environment. I think I’ve done myself a solid coming up now because I know who I am, I know where I stand and I know what I’m capable of. No review, award or awkward interaction at an industry party can change that.
What’s your show all about?
Come see it and find out #mysterious
How has moving to the UK from Texas helped you find your comedy voice?
I’ve not just found my comedic voice, but also myself by being here. I’m really grateful to have had the privilege to discover who I am outside of the context that informed my perspective up until that point. I got to start from scratch and speak freely without worrying that one of my moms friends would be in the audience! It was very freeing for no one to have any idea who I was.
You’ve had a number of TV appearances recently, how have those experiences been?
Oh it’s such a treat doing TV stuff. Mostly because people do your make-up and get you tea – I usually want peppermint with oat milk because I’m edgy. I really enjoy the range of work I’ve gotten to do over the years. I think my greatest joy is being myself and being celebrated for it. Every time I step into a studio, stage or set it feels like an invitation to do just that.
How important are things like your regular night FOC It Up in helping change the comedy landscape?
This is always a tricky question because I don’t want to take too much credit, but also don’t want to discredit what we’ve been able to do. A friend told me recently that FOC IT UP! makes doing comedy feel possible and being in comedy spaces feel enjoyable. Feedback like that really warms my heart. It’s also about building community amongst artists, because even though it’s 2024 we are still tokenized and don’t get to work with each other that often. But since FOC’s conception in 2018, I’ve seen numerous nights like it emerge around the country and that makes me feel really proud.
If you were in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?
Ooh big juicy question! Well I think I’d subsidize accommodation, pay the venue staff and import some goddamn vegetables.
What’s your favourite spot to visit in Edinburgh?
I like climbing up Arthur’s seat on the last night of the fringe with my friends. It feels like the culmination of something big and beautiful sitting atop something big and beautiful.
How have your previous experiences of the festival been – either as a visitor or performer?
The most fun I’ve had at the fringe was when I came up for a week to watch shows and hang out. Turns out when you’re not stressed about working the festival, it’s really fun!
What essential item are you packing to survive a month at the Fringe?
I’ve packed a picture of my grandma and my nana with me in the middle. I love it. It’s a great reminder that my life is way bigger than this.
Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Katie Green, Kate Cheka, Lou Wall, Erika Ehler, Aisha Amanduri and so many faves and soon to be faves are in town this month. We’re truly spoiled for choice!
What question would you ask other comedians in a Q&A – and why?
Who’s your favourite person to call when it all gets a bit too much. I’m really interested in the ways people take care of themselves. Especially in environments like these.
Kemah Bob: Miss Fortunate, Pleasance (Baby Grand), 7.05pm, until August 25 (not Wednesdays)
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