Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
Madam Good Tit is my second full show. It is an hour about self-confidence, self-esteem and self-care. It’s the year of ‘self’ so I am taking it very literally. Taking care of yourself has never been more ‘in’. Inspirational quotes and facemasks are a big industry and, like all my basic friends, I am trying to ‘be the change I want to see’. However self-care like everything else is a money making business. These self-care influencers get you when you are down and you are truly stuck. I have lost so many hours watching Yoga With Adrienne and I am really not convinced ‘putting yourself first’ is the best option for wellness.
Are you flying solo or are you part of a team?
Flying solo as a performer, just me and the microphone baby. I am very tall so take up a lot of stage space! I do though have an amazing director in the ever hilarious Rose Johnson from birthday girls.
Count myself very lucky to be part of the amazing ‘cool kids’ team of Berks Nest. I count myself very lucky to live with the same amazing comics each year since I started making Edinburgh a true home away from home.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
To spend time with all my friends and not lose my mind. It’s just a dream though. Of course I also want amazing crowds who leave my show with biggest smiles on their faces, the sort of smile Augustus Gloop had when he sees the river of chocolate.
What makes you laugh?
Oh so much. I should say a well-crafted joke but I love people falling over compilations on YouTube and of course Jackass. I think it comes from growing up watching You’ve Been Framed and having German Heritage (I know I am performing in a venue called Bunker Two) thus being in touch with Schadenfreude.
What is it that made you a performer?
A desperate need for attention of course. Honestly I ask myself this sometimes, I really think I would have a much simpler life if my dream was to have stayed in waitressing but my heart said no. I have always loved making people laugh and this is really the best way to do that. Also how else would I make a living talking about my stupid friends, if I stayed a waitress they would just eventually let me go for chatting.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
Oh, well, I hope they think and feel that I am funny. I want to make people feel connected to my own brand of madness. Just feel good, that’s all I ever want from a crowd. Wow, I feel like a mother saying ‘I just want my kids to be happy.’
Whose show – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Too many to mention! Looking forward to seeing Jordan Brookes new show and excited to see Catherine Bohart, Andrew White and Sophie Duker they are all amazing and I am obsessed. Also Jayde Adams new show looks incredible and she is always the queen of fringe for me.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never step in a puddle if you can’t remember the last time it rained. Very important at fringe! For Fringe though it is to have fun and always carry a dry pair of shoes. Shoes for obvious reasons to have fun is important, I really feel like an audience can tell if you are ‘up for it’, I love my shows to be really silly and upbeat!
Do you have a favourite Fringe memory?
There is something magical about doing your show then hanging out with a group of comics also just finished and pretending that it’s all over ha-ha. I will say finding out I was nominated for best new comer was a very special moment.
Who is your showbiz/Fringe idol and why.
Everyone going up, performing every day with a show they are flyering and self-promoting too. It’s tough at fringe when you are waiting to get picked up by the big companies and these legends are doing it all.
Helen Bauer, Pleasance Courtyard, 17.40, August 16 – 28
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/helen-bauer-madam-good-tit
