2014 Edinburgh Fringe

Sammy J is flying 10,502 miles to perform for 1 hour

Sammy J

Australian musical comedian Sammy J has been coming to the Edinburgh Fringe for years. This year he's travelling half way around the world to perform for just a single hour, because he thought "it would be humorous to fly from Melbourne to Edinburgh, perform just one show, then fly home again."

We got in touch with him as he was busy packing his bags in preparation for making the 10,502 mile trip to find out more...

Hi Sammy. How long are you actually going to be on Scottish soil for?

Five days in total. My show is on the first day, then I'll spend four days cooling off.

If it's not too rude to ask, how much have the flights cost you? It's going to be more than you'll make in ticket sales?

Not rude at all! The flight cost £935. I'm selling tickets for £17 in a venue of 410 seats, so if I sell out that's £6970 in income. Less £935 for flights. Less £1800 venue rental. Less 40% producer's cut. Less promotional costs, poster distribution, food, lodging, taxis ... And that's not even factoring in the fact I'm nowhere near close to selling out. Oh god. I'm in deep shit.

It's a very funny idea, but as the time approaches are you starting to regret not opting to stay for longer?

I was going to fly home straight after the show but yes, I decided to hang around a few more days as I've always been so jealous of the other comedians who just "come to visit". I want to be as smug and annoying as them - constantly swanning into shows holding a pint, stubble growing longer by the day, and just looking generally relaxed and happy in the absence of a show to do each night.

So you're shortly going to board the plane... How are you planning to pass the time in the air?

This interview is literally the last thing I do before packing my bags. Thankfully I don't have much to pack. I'm just hoping to be sitting next to a classy female divorcee in her mid fifties who is up for a brief in-flight romance. I'll spend the Melbourne to Dubai leg working my charm, the Dubai to London leg sealing the deal, then the five hour stopover at Heathrow breaking things off so she doesn't follow me to Scotland.

Ha ha. What can Fringe audiences expect from your one and only show then?

There will be twelve songs covering everything from the Monarchy to the guy who invaded my hospital room when I was born. If things go really well I might extend my season and do an encore song, bringing the total to thirteen.

What are your plans when you get back to Melbourne?

I've booked in to see a financial planner.

Help Sammy avoid getting shouted at by the financial planner by going to see his show. It's on Friday 1st August at 10:50pm at Udderbelly (Bristo Square). Listing

Published: Wednesday 30th July 2014

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