2016 Edinburgh Fringe

Glory Pearl: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Emma Mitchell. Copyright: Bill Mackellar

Glory Pearl answers 10 questions about her 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show.

Give us a quick overview of your comedy career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

I've been performing burlesque, cabaret and circus for nearly a decade - all of it comedic - then in 2014 I wrote a stand-up show and brought it to the Fringe. I just jumped in the deep end and tried not to drown. And because that wasn't challenging enough, I decided to do it naked. Madness.
It's been tough and I've learnt a lot in the last few years but I'm really happy with the reception the show got and everyone I've met has been really supportive. Maybe next year I'll write a show where I get to keep my clothes on...

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

1. I'm a saddler by trade - yes, making saddles for horses
2. I was the 1985 Cornish junior roller disco champion
3. I don't remember it, but apparently, I once vomited on Prince Charles

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

It's burlesque, it's stand-up, it's very silly and very feminist. It's about underwear, body shame and the bits we're supposed to hide.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I make it a choice not to stress about that - whoever is meant to be there will be there. But if the weather was better I'd probably try some naked flyering. What's the worst that could happen?

What's your plan for trying to eat - and drink - healthily during the Fringe?

I always eat better at the Fringe because I'm always so poor the only things I can afford are vegetables!

What will you miss most while you're away from home?

Well, I brought the cat with me this year (not a euphemism), so I'm all set. The only thing I'll miss is it not raining every day.

Aside from performing, what else are you looking forward to doing in Scotland's fine capital?

For one night only (21st August) I'm putting on a Naked Girls Reading at Venue53 in a secret space with an awesome line up. The show does what it says on the tin - beautiful women read beautiful words aloud for your listening pleasure - but there's an alchemy there that makes it truly special.
Aside from that, brunch, coffee, catching up with friends from across the planet, seeing some awesome shows, a bit of charity shop shopping, and probably a walk on Portobello beach at some point. I'm so rock and roll it hurts.

If you took over programming a Fringe venue, what would your perfect line-up of comedians be?

Firstly, I'd make it a huge feminine space - a big mother's hug for everyone who walks through the doors. The Fringe is tough and we could all do with some nurturing. As to the talent, girls, girls, girls.

Name the one person you'd rather not bump into during the festival.

Death. Because that would really screw my return on investment.

Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,800+ other Fringe offerings listed on BCG this year?

It'll make you feel good. And there are tits. Everyone loves tits. Tits are great.

'Under Cover With the Naked Stand-Up' is at theSpace Surgeons Hall at 9:10pm on 5-13, 15-20, 22-27 Aug. Listing

Published: Sunday 14th August 2016

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