My Festival: Zoe Coombs Marr
There are thousands of shows in Edinburgh this month. Please explain why we should come and see yours.
Honestly, I can say that the reason I personally think you should come and see my show The Opener is because it is my show and I am promoting it.
What will we learn from your show that we didn’t know before?
I can’t claim that the show is educational, but I can say with confidence that after watching the show The Opener, you will learn the full content of the show “The Opener”. Some things you can learn from a book, but the full experience of seeing The Opener at The Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023, is one of those things that can only be learned by seeing The Opener at The Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023.
Who or what was the biggest inspiration for your show?
Every bad open mic comic in every Laugh Hole, Chuckle Hut, Chortle Abyss and Giggle Jail out there. The little guys, tirelessly leaning on mic stands, asking “are you guys a couple?” in front of fake brick walls the world over. Every one of those podcasting, ponytailed, graphic tee-d angels has contributed a sparkling gem of inspiration to this show, and the world. And to them I say, you matter, I see you, and I thank you for your service.
What’s the best review you’ve ever had, and the worst?
Hands down the best was recently, when I came offstage after a show to find one seat soaking wet. Someone had literally peed themselves and I wish there was some way I could put that review on my poster. There are many contenders for worst… but it’s probably a tie between a mass walk-out of twenty audience members at once, the line “buy a ticket for someone you really really hate” and the time that Dave got a two-star stinker review because the critic didn’t clock that it was a parody. I did put that one on my poster.
Who or what are you most excited about seeing this year?
You know, people will often say “go see an act you’ve never heard of” so it feels like a bit of a cliché, but it’s true. The most memorable things are the ones you’re not expecting. One year I saw a seagull eating a pigeon outside that aussie themed backpacker bar, I was not expecting it at all, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
What are the best and worst things that have happened to you at a festival?
Once I was carried off stage by security after someone in the audience at Late & Live didn’t realise I was in character, thought a prat-fall was real, and ran for help. Worst thing? One year I saw a seagull eating a pigeon outside that Aussie themed backpacker bar and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
First thing? I open my eyes. And, call me traditional, but I like to end the day by closing those same eyes. Is this a trick question?
Thanks for the interview! We’d like to buy you a drink. Where are we going and what are we drinking?
Thank you so much! I’ll have a pint of the cheapest lager, and I’d love to swing past that aussie themed backpacker bar – I once saw a seagull eating a pigeon out the front of that place, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since, and I’m really hoping those guys are doing the festival again this year! Happy Edinburgh everyone!
Zoe Coombs Marr: The Opener, Pleasance Courtyard, 9.20pm, until 27 August