‘My show is a love letter to my home town and the festival’: Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Eleanor Morton

New show Haunted House is Edinburgh comedian Eleanor Morton’s brand new hour of spooky stand-up about her home town, ghosts and the dark side of the Fringe.

As well as a regular on the Scottish stand-up circuit, Eleanor is also well known for her online sketch characters like Craig the tour guide, which have amassed millions of likes and have gained her fans such as Patton Oswalt, Michael McKean and Taika Waititi.

Here, she answers our festival Q&A…

How are you feeling ahead of this year’s Fringe?

I’m feeling cautiously excited! I’ve put a lot of love into my show and I can’t wait to share it with people. And I can’t wait to see everyone else’s shows and hang out with my friends!

What’s your show all about?

It’s about ghosts and believing in them (or not believing in them) and growing up in the ‘most haunted city in the world’ Edinburgh. It’s a love letter to my home town and also about the Fringe itself.

Where does your fascination with the supernatural come from?

I’m not sure. I think growing up in Edinburgh for sure, it’s hard to avoid, but I also think being raised by a Catholic – they are an inherently spooky people. My mum always had loads of great ghost stories.

What impact have your online sketches made on your comedy career – and what was it like earning famous fans from them?

It’s changed it a lot – I feel a lot more visible, which is good and bad. I worry that people who see me online will expect the same thing from my live stuff. At the same time, it’s been so lovely to meet people who enjoy my videos and know that I cheered someone up or brightened their day.

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

How long have you got? Sooo many things. More regulation on accommodation. Living wages across the board. Less reviews, adverts and awards. Less commercial add-ons and more consideration for residents. More days off for everyone. A ban on people making that joke that there are no vegetables in Edinburgh.

What’s your favourite spot in Edinburgh?

My favourite spots in Edinburgh are places I grew up/hang out with my friends, which I refuse to reveal to the general public. But check out the Mosque Kitchen!

© Trudy Stade

You’ve been doing the Fringe for many years, how is it as someone who is already based in Edinburgh?

In many ways, I’m very privileged. I can afford to do the Fringe every year because I never have to pay for short term accommodation. I can build an audience here all year round. I can stay in my own bed all month. Even when I’m not doing a full run, I can go and see things and hang out with people. But obviously there are downsides. I think people need to be more considerate to residents who have to do their 9-5s. I find the way it encroaches on my everyday life a bit overwhelming. And I do think there’s an inherent snobbery about ‘local’ acts. Scottish acts have worked just as hard as everyone else to be at the Fringe!

What is the essential item to survive a month at the Fringe?

A very big water bottle.

Who’d be your dream:

Podcast guest / co-host

I guested on Sam Lake’s podcast earlier this year and it was so much fun, please have me back Sam.

Wrestling tag team partner

I think Majorlein Robertson would be good in my corner. She’s very unpredictable.

Comedian to split a bill with

I’ve already done some split WIPS and shows this year with Sean Burke, Michael Fry, Esyllt Sears, Mary Flanigan and they were all very fun and excellent.

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

I hate this question, I always forget people. Everyone at Monkey Barrel is always fantastic. My pal Sooz Kempner is excellent. Sean Burke is doing a short run I can’t wait to see. And I always go to Shakespeare for Breakfast because: free croissant.

What question would you ask other comedians in a Q&A – and why?

How the hell do you afford to do this without living here?!

Eleanor Morton: Haunted House, 12:05pm, Monkey Barrel 2, 31st July-25th August (no shows Mon/Tues)