Josh Elton’s brand of barnstorming comedy is the perfect show to start the day. Razor-sharp jokes, unshakeable confidence and an award-winning comedy mind. A Welshman, a Jew and a damn fine comedian, Josh Elton takes a sidewise look at life, the universe and why Swansea is a bit rough. ‘Rocks every show’ (Ignacio Lopez). ‘Really really funny‘ (David Baddiel). Winner: Welsh Unsigned Stand-Up Award.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
My show is Josh Elton: Away With the Fairies. It’s an hour of remarkably good stand-up comedy. Big stories and anecdotes from a car crash so spectacular I end up in the news, to car crash gigs so bad they should be illegal all tied up in a neat little narrative bow.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m very lucky that the show is being produced by Ignacio Lopez. He’s a seasoned veteran at the fringe so he knows the logistics for making and impact, selling tickets and getting people talking. He’s also a good friend and mentor for me, so it’s been great having someone around to talk about the show with. A debut is unlike any other show. It’s basically 10 years in the making. I’m quite an autobiographical comedian anyway. So I’ve taken all of my best bits and asked myself, why do these bits endure in my set? Why are they important enough to me that I’ve kept coming back to them? And I’ve used the answers to bang the best stuff I have into a satisfying narrative about my life.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
It feels good! I think the first time I came in 2018, I was aimless, and the sheer scale showed me how insignificant I am. I’ve been twice since then, each time with a plan and goals, and it’s gotten me great stuff. Last time it got me signed to an agency and into full-time comedy. This year is my debut, so we are pulling out all the stops on stage and off stage. It should be great.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
There is a reason reviewers go to see debut shows. The first hour is declarative, it’s a statement from the next generation of comics saying I’m here and this is what I’m about. You’ve never heard of me, and you’re reading this? Why? Because that’s intriguing and it makes us want to watch. I’ve written a heartfelt personal show, but one thing I will not compromise on is funny. I’ve made sure that every bit of it is strong stuff I can say at a weekend club. There are big stories, pathos and revelation, but first and foremost, I’m making damn sure you laugh your ass off and have a good time.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Merch. Is that too obteuse? I’ve turned one of my most embarrassing moments into a Dr Seuss-style children’s book. Which I’m getting illustrated. And tote bags with my car crash on them. Basically I’m monetising my cringe. Making it work for me you know?
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
I’m so glad you asked. Hi, if you are old and posh… not one or the other but both… I know you’re artsy and you go to the fringe and you volunteer at the local arts centre and you wear a little scarf and you smoked marijuana twice in the 70’s… But you will not like my comedy. And also, your silence will weirdly make the fun people feel self-conscious. My dad came up and helped me fly for one year. And he filled my room with such people who weren’t comedy fan; they wanted to see the proud father’s son’s show. I had two awful shows and I’ve never told him how much it ruined the demographic.
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?
For the first time, my show is at 8pm. So I finally have time to be hungover in Edinburgh. So I will be the industry bars engaging in peer support with my colleagues. Pint after pint of peer support. So much peer support you need a kebab after. God I love peer support.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
I’d say more of the silent disco. Can we make it longer? Could we have more awards to fight over? Also, Comedy nights are better when people have bought tickets, so if we could make it as expensive as possible, the gigs would be better. Ideally, if we could get Oasis to play on a couple of nights it’s really drive up prices and make people appreciate it properly.
Josh Elton: Away With the Fairies runs at Venue 108: Hoots @ The Apex (Hoots 4)
Photo credit: Michelle Huggleston
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