Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch is a horrendous mouthful of a title for a stand-up show that’s all about proverbs, and my efforts to make myself a better person. I’ve listened to the feedback of world-famous drag queen TV hosts and strangers on the internet alike, and I’m ready to make a change.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Alongside me, who’s written the silly jokes and will be telling them to the audience, the only other member of the creative team is my dad, who makes my sets. I know, I’m in contact with my father! You wouldn’t believe it to look at me. For previous shows he’s done me a huge window, and a big spinning light-up roulette wheel, and this time it’s going to be even more fabulous than either of those. I suppose DIY is his way of showing his love for me. It’s much better than a verbal confirmation.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I think this will be my eighth Fringe as a performer. I started doing university improv and a comedy musical in 2015 and ever since then I’ve been hooked. It’s such a unique experience, and the best opportunity to connect (and get off) with a worldwide network of incredible artists. The macaroni pies aren’t bad, either.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
I don’t know how many shows featuring drag queen comedians from Derbyshire doing at least one death-defying stunt while also looking incredibly beautiful and more importantly being incredibly kind are at the Fringe this year, but if there’s another one I’ll burn down their venue.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
A lot of the show is influenced by my experience of being somewhat in the public eye, and how my participation in a certain reality TV show (and the response to that) has made me who I am now.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
My phone number, if they’re good looking.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
The best Edinburgh audience members are those who haven’t tired themselves out by watching a show every hour from 11am. We can tell that you’re knackered by 6:30! If you haven’t got the stamina for a full day of shows (and trust me, you do NOT), make sure to pace yourself, take a break to get some nice food, have a nap, something that isn’t sitting in a dark room watching a show just because it’s the ‘done thing’. If you come to a show with energy and enthusiasm, the performers will respond in kind, and everyone’s experience will be improved. Go and see a show because you want to see it, not because some broadsheet said you had to see it.
Except in the case of my show, of course, you have to see it whether you want to or not.
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?
On my day off, I plan on going to the seaside, and removing myself entirely from the chaos of the festival for just one day – I recommend this to every performer!
People should go and see my drag nemesis Crudi Dench’s debut solo show (not sure how she’ll cope without me, but it’ll be character building for her), and there are new shows from performers I love like Baby Lame, Rosalie Minnitt, Dee Allum and Temi Wilkey
Kate Butch: A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch will run at Venue 23, King Dome at Pleasance Dome
Runs: August 5th – August 30th at 20:00pm
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’