Welcome to comedian Bailey Swilley’s ghost tour, complete with tales of haunted tampons, magical spells and life lessons on family expectations, grief and growing up. Gimme a Sign! is a storytelling comedy, based on a family tragedy and the strange but funny antics that ensued after. Join Bailey as she reflects on the stages of grief and her endless search for signs from the universe!
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Gimme a Sign! is a storytelling solo comedy about death, grief, family and ghosts. It’s a whimsical ride through the things we use to cope when we lose someone we love—from psychics and tarot cards to soul-searching at Costco, to magical spells that involve p*ss play, to searching for meaning in pop music, and so much more. But above all, it’s a love letter to my parents and grandparents.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m the writer, performer and producer of Gimme a Sign!, but I’ve gotten help with shaping the show from various performers in New York, including friends Andrew McGill, Ricky Sim, Bryan Berlin and Julianne Cross. In March, I brought on a director, one of my absolute favourite comedians, Tim Dunn, to help make this year’s Fringe performance a bit more theatrical and visual. I also want to shout out my incredible poster designer Jo Iijima (@joiijima.com)
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
I’m buzzing because I know what to expect this time, but that doesn’t make me any less nervous. This will be my first full run—last year, I did a half. Everyone says “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” and so I’m trying to train my brain for whatever that means.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
My show is about a not uncommon topic—DEATH—but there’s something very optimistic and hopeful about my story. There’s also a very girly, very nostalgic, very handmade/crafty vibe to my show, it’s like a fun peek into my diary/scrapbook over the past 20 years. If you’re into reminiscing about the golden years of Blink-182, Britney Spears and low-rise jeans, you’ll love it.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope they can escape their stresses for an hour with me through letting go and laughing their arses off. And while my show is about ghosts and the spiritual, I don’t expect them to walk away as absolute believers. My hope is that they feel better about life, themselves and their family—chosen or otherwise.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
My family is both my ideal—and not ideal—audience. Ideal because I want them to know how much I love them, flaws and all, which is also why I don’t want them to come: it’s about their flaws and all. Don’t get me wrong: My flaws are on display as well! But I don’t want to be banned from the holiday dinner table, you know?
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?
I’m looking forward to walking around Holyrood and Princes Street Parks, looking for hidden unicorns in the architecture, checking out the museums, and eating tons of food at Mosque Kitchen.
And then I’ll be seeing as many shows as I can! My show prominently features my Taiwanese grandmother, my amah, so I was thrilled to see that there’s a show called Ah-ma at TheSpace this year. Will definitely be checking that out, as well as Katie Pritchard in the hilarious musical concert I Kiss the Music and A Jaffa Cake Musical.
Also, I can’t wait for these Edinburgh premieres from some of my fave NYC performers 3 White Guys Named John by Andrea Coleman, And All That Jazz by Gillian Gurganus, Man Enough by Bryan Berlin as well as Chicago comedian Bren Tran with Hole in the Wall L’Hopital.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Popular answer, but I wish it weren’t so expensive! I’d love for more folks to be able to bring their shows over. It’s such an incredible experience, but dang, why does it all cost so much moolah?!
Gimme A Sign! runs at Venue 236:Fern Studio at Greenside @ George Street
Photo credit: Noah Eberhart
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