Edinburgh Fringe Q&A - Rachel Fairburn

Rachel Fairburn brings not one but two shows to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, with the return of her tour show Showgirl and a new foray into character comedy.

Here, she answers our festival Q&A…

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

I’m feeling really enthusiastic about this year as I’m trying something different, character comedy. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I think the Fringe is the perfect place to try a new venture. I’m doing a stand up show too. I’m feeling excited and a little nervous. I’m also feeling skint.

How much are you looking forward to bringing Showgirl to Edinburgh?

Showgirl is the show I toured in late 2023 so I’m very familiar with it and I’ve tweaked bits and added bits. I am very much looking forward to bringing it to Edinburgh as it’s all ready to go again so it’s like popping on a pair of comfy slippers, or sequin platforms in my case.

What’s your show Side-Eye all about – and what characters will we meet?

It’s seven characters loosely based around the seven deadly sins. There’s a nepo baby, an old Hollywood icon, lazy parents. You’ll either love or hate each character, maybe even feel a bit sorry for them. You’ll definitely know someone that’s like at least one of them. It’s a bit like a mini kitchen sink drama.

How does your preparation differ between the stand-up show and the character work?

For me it’s been a totally different process. It’s more of a theatrical approach with character I suppose. It’s my first time working with a director, Rohan Acharya. He’s been fantastic in helping me think in a totally different way about the show. Stand-up is great as it’s just me and a microphone but with the character work I’ve had seven people I’ve created living in my head. I probably sound insane and pompous with this answer which is actually my worst nightmare.

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

The London-centric comedy industry should be forced to watch acts they can’t see in London. It’s the biggest arts festival in the world, make the effort to see someone who you haven’t seen before and who didn’t go to the same private school or university as you.

What’s your favourite spot to visit in Edinburgh?

You’ll find me wandering in one of Edinburgh’s incredible graveyards. I love Old Calton Burial ground and Greyfriars Kirkyard. I am a complete taphophile and visit cemeteries all the time. I love the history, the monuments and the peace and quiet.

How have your previous experiences of the festival been – either as a visitor or performer?

Truthfully, I love the time I am performing but I have found the festival very stressful over previous years. I think I have enough experience now to actually enjoy myself this year. My shows are all finished by 6.20pm so I am definitely going to watch some stuff and be a punter at the festival instead of an anxious ball of nerves.

What essential item are you packing to survive a month at the Fringe?

My Kindle. I will have it loaded with Scottish ghost stories and folk tales. Yes, I will be reading it in a graveyard.

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Who’d be your dream:

Podcast guest / co-host

I would love to get my heroes Liam and Noel Gallagher on a podcast. Maybe get them talking again. Co-host, would be Frank Skinner. My all time favourite comedian.

Wrestling tag team partner

My friend and comedian Stephen Bailey. He’s a lot harder than you’d think.

Comedian to split a bill with

Nina Gilligan

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

I can’t wait to see Tom Lawrinson and Nina Gilligan. Tom is making the funniest online videos at the moment both on his own and with Sam O’Leary. Really fresh and funny stuff. His last stand up show was hilarious so I can’t wait to see his new one. Nina is the funniest person I know and one of the best stand ups in the UK right now. Her new Show Goldfish is both a laugh riot and very and moving. I can’t wait for people to see her.

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

Have you ever had a supernatural experience? Why? I am obsessed with ghosts.

Rachel Fairburn is performing her critically-acclaimed stand-up hour ‘Showgirl’ and her brand-new character comedy hour ‘Side Eye’ at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Showgirl’ is on at 5:20pm at Underbelly Bristo Square Friesian from 31st July to 25th Aug (excluding 12th) and ‘Side Eye’ is at 12:30pm at Monkey Barrel Hive 2 from 1st – 25th Aug (excluding 12th)