Award-winning character-comedian Susan Harrison presents a brand-new show, featuring a host of joyfully bizarre characters including an unconfident Sindy doll, a woman who’s swallowed a girl in a well and a 90’s panda. Is it ok to still be dressing up as weird characters as you get older? Join Susan as she tries to find out, whilst dressing up as weird characters. Directed by Ben Target. Seen/heard in: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Mischief Movie Night, BBC Radio 4.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
“Susan Harrison: Should I still be doing this?” is a solo character comedy show featuring a bunch of surreal and surprising characters. Thematically it’s about getting older and still living a playful and unconventional life, but mainly it’s a lot of fun and dicking about.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m the writer and performer of the show. I don’t have a huge budget, so the creative team is small but perfectly formed! My director is the critically acclaimed performance artist and multi award-winning comedian (and really nice person who might be embarrassed by these accolades) Ben Target. I’ve been a fan of his work for years, so I was delighted he wanted to work with me. I’ve been tinkering away at this show for a while, doing work in progress versions. As time has gone on, I scrapped some characters who didn’t really serve the theme. I was doing a Liz Truss character in an earlier iteration, but she became less relevant as time went on, so I had to sack her! I also used to have a character who was a phone, but she wasn’t helpful for the show as a whole in terms of her energy, so I substituted her for two brand-new characters. As you can tell, it’s evolved a lot!
I also have two songs in the show which were composed by Jordan Paul Clarke, who I know through Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Myself and Jordan have improvised together for years, so making the songs came very naturally. Initially, he played some music, and I improvised a melody, and we worked it out from there. Jordan is hugely talented, and I’m very lucky that he’s lent his talents to the show. My partner also helped me hugely by suggesting the show title and helping me with a couple of magic moments, which may or may not stay in the show. It depends if I get good enough at sleight of hand, or not!
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
It feels exciting, but to be honest, a bit scary too. I mean..should I still be doing this? An alternative title could have been “Susan Harrison: Can I extend my overdraft?”
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
It’s the only show in the world to feature a woman who has swallowed a girl in a well.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope they have a laugh and enjoy how silly and playful it is. I also hope it’s cathartic, and that any fellow artists/freelancers will be able to relate!
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Everyone’s welcome! Genuinely. As someone with an improv background, I don’t mind unexpected audience members; the more the merrier.
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 missed “Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha” last year, so I’m determined to see it this time. It’s such a great premise. I also want to see Jordan Brookes’ “Until The Wheels Come Off (WIP)”. I absolutely love his work. I will also see my Scottish friends who are a highlight for me each August. Hanging out with them is my idea of a 5 star show!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Wow biiiig question! Making it affordable would obviously be a good start. I am lucky to be up here doing another show for some of the time, which means I’m earning money, which I can then use to pay for my accommodation. If I wasn’t doing that, it would be very tricky indeed. So, making it affordable, in terms of the accommodation costs and also all the other millions of costs, would be the first thing that’s needed. In terms of the theatre/film/tv industry as a whole, it would be great if people got back to you to tell you whether you got a job or not! Apparently, there’s a thing called email, which means people can send a message instantly but it seems it’s hard for some industry folk to do this. Ooh also it would be great if the UK took a chance on unknown talent every now and again like they do in America. And what else… paddling pools in comedy clubs in the summer, and bouncy castles in the winter? I think that’s everything.
Susan Harrison: Should I Still Be Doing This? runs at Venue 140: Pip at Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower
Photo credit: Matt Spronge
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