Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
Oh, I never tell people what to do. You should never use the word ‘should’ – it’s judgmental. I never judge – I quietly assess…. The show is about my upbringing and the 1970’s. Trigger warning: may contain the Slosh
If you like stories, which contain many funnyisms, if you like vintage Billy Connolly you might well like this. If you fancy cocking a snook at religious cults, exotic tinned goods, and psychic phenomena, this is the show for you.
Are you flying solo or are you part of a team?
Solo. All by myself. Just me. On my tod. On my Jack Jones. Alone. Solitary. Like the ranger, pre-Tonto.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
I would like people to come, that would be great. I would look a right tumshie performing to no one. I would like people to like the show. It doesn’t get better than that.
What makes you laugh?
Stuff my partner, Matt Price says. He makes me howl with laughter. Also when cats do not gauge jumps correctly and fall.
What is it that made you a performer?
When we were wee, my brothers and I would entertain each other, with impressions and songs. We then went on tour around our neighbourhood, where we would perform and would be rewarded with cornflake cakes, Empire biscuits, crisps and ginger. Our party piece was the three of us doing Columbo simultaneously. We would put a pretend cigar in our mouths and fumble around our pockets for the crucial evidence, and say ‘something about that bothered me’. The neighbours loved it. Those were good times.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I am hoping they will feel they spent a goodly hour and been made to laugh heartily throughout. They may well relate to a lot of it, and feel nostalgic for The Stylistics and Columbo. I would not be the person I am today, had it not been for exposure to Columbo.
Whose show – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I am looking forward to seeing some plays. I love a play, me. I will take my sister to see ‘An Evening without Kate Bush’. Sarah-Louse Young is an incredible performer.
Also Lynn Ferguson – Her Storytellingness – ‘Storyland’ is on my list, as is
Elaine Miller’s Viva Your Vulva: The Hole Story. Only a twat would miss that one.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given?
Put white vinegar in the water when poaching eggs. That is the only useful advice I have ever been given. Every other bit of advice has been utter rubbish.
Do you have a favourite Fringe memory?
My favourite Fringe memory was being the first ever free show to gain a 5 star review. That was special. It showed that quality in free shows is every bit as good as anything you pay a ticket for, Free shows gave the Fringe back its Fringness and have been brilliant for inclusion.
Who is your showbiz/Fringe idol and why.
I have so many. Caroline Aherne, Victoria Wood and Sophie Willan for bringing brilliantly funny working class voices into the mainstream.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/martha-mcbrier-who-knew
4.30pm Venue 411 Dragonfly 4-28 August (not Mondays)
