International comedian tells of a dark steamy affair between her father and the family’s nanny. From London to Hong Kong, this twist-turning and ironic show takes us through the highs and lows of adolescence and adult love life, unveiling family secrets, power plays and salacious surprises while also displaying her personal growth, self-actualization and redemption. If that’s not enticing enough, naked photos, audio transcripts included free of charge!.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
My show is a deep dive into family dysfunction and an exploration of whether I’m doomed to fall into all the same holes as my parents. But it’s a comedy. It’s about how wonderful it is to be flawed and to keep trying. And how living our own life and making mistakes makes us connect and empathise with our parents. The show is called, ‘So My Dad F*cked the Nanny’, but don’t let that scare you, it’s a wild and irreverent journey of self-discovery.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
The creative team is me. I’ve worked on this show at the Perth and Hollywood Fringe, and had a lot of fun in the process. It’s a one-woman show, which is a mixture of stand-up and storytelling. I was born in London, grew up in Hong Kong, studied in the UK, lived and worked in Beijing, and then started doing stand-up in Los Angeles. The show started out with the title, which I picked because a friend said it was unusual and would stand out. I forget that not everyone’s dad did run off with the nanny. Something I had largely tried to ignore as a child, finding it tawdry and mundane, might actually be my unique selling point? I set about trying to really investigate how I felt about it, what I was told, what I remembered, and the question I had always shied away from, how had it affected me? I found there are elements of the story I find delicious, and rich in comedy. I realized I admire both my parents. Even when going through one of the darkest periods of their lives, there are constantly moments that make me laugh out loud. Probing myself was one of the hardest and most rewarding parts, and realizing in many ways, I have played out many things in my adult life that I didn’t understand as a child.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
The prospect of going to the Edinburgh Fringe is incredibly exciting, whether I fall on my face or surf the crowds after a sold-out show, I would have put myself and my work out there. I’m proud of myself and every performer at the Fringe who has the courage to share their work, particularly solo artists, where it feels like each artist is a one-man band that has to keep drumming while playing all the other instruments. But when you do get the hang out of it, you can pick up this amazing momentum, which can feel like a life force of its own.
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
I think perhaps the somewhat strange subject matter sets my show apart. A window into a unique blend of privilege, self destruction and self discovery. My show also has the type of source material you will not find at any other show.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope the show resonates with people whose lives maybe haven’t worked out in the perfect way they envisaged. In helping them to see life is a journey, with endless realisations along the way, that will ultimately lead you closer to your end goal.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
I hope my dad doesn’t come… But other than that, I think it’s a fun show for all ages. Perhaps not small children.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
A couple comedians have recommended a top secret spa. I’ll have to see if it’s affordable. I can’t tell you the name.
I plan to see some preview shows before the fringe starts, I’ve already managed a few. I really enjoyed some shows coming from across the pond, ‘New Kids of Blockchain’ by Viv Ford, and ‘Popstar’ by Devon Drew.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
It would be wonderful if more shows got reviewed. There’s always a few brilliant shows that just slip through the cracks, and deserve recognition.
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’