Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
‘Fay Fife…a Celtic Ronnie Spector…’ That’s what they say and whether it’s live or recorded work, THE COUNTESS OF FIFE has garnered a host of FAB reviews!
As chanteuse FAY FIFE – people sometimes think I’m a vintage punk rocker! After all I usually sing with iconic Scottish band The Rezillos. Well I don’t accept crap and I’m always pushing boundaries – so there’s some of that punk attitude there! But I’m primarily a singer/ songwriter & I like to stretch myself !
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE is my alternative country outfit and for a one nite only Fringe show I’ll be playing with a five piece band drawn from Scotland’s finest musicians – including Kirsten Adamson on backing vocals and Al Gare (previously with Jeff Beck and Imelda Mae) on double bass.
So what is The Countess of Fife?
Some say it’s country punk, some say it’s country/soul/ gospel – some really go for my voice and love the vocal harmonies. Others just know The Countess is an original & dig those soulful gritty songs!
THE COUNTESS recently released debut album STAR OF THE SEA. It garnered glowing reviews and smashed into the UK album charts at 21 (Scottish charts at No 7).
The COUNTESS Fringe show is for 1 NITE ONLY and last year’s show sold out! So get your tickets NOW! Don’t miss seeing The Countess up close and personal in the intimate setting of THE GILDED BALLOON’S Patterhoose Doonstairs.
No gimmicks-no act – just real music played and sung from the heart ❤️
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
Well at my age of 103 – ok that’s a slight exaggeration… I’m hoping that the COUNTESS OF FIFE will achieve world domination as a musical force… I’d settle for more and better shows though, more recognition & more bums on seats!
What makes you laugh?
Rab C Nesbit, Billy Connolly & daft bits of comedy you can find lurking at the Fringe –
… oh yes and the pomposity and regal affectation of my dog Harris!
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
RADGE I’m known for my lack of inhibition on stage – I sing from my guts and give it my all.
MELODIC Singing is the thing and the song is King. This is all about the music.
RAMBUNCTIOUS The Countess of Fife band are absolutely FAB. Tight as a duck’s derrière, as groovy and hot as very hot vegan tamale (with extra hot sauce).
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They will want to run out screaming – with the words “COUNTESS OF FIFE – where have you been all my life?? Give me more and give it NOW!”
What kind of shows – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I met some lovely drag artists the other night – I’ll try to hunt them down!
I’ll see some music hopefully.
And a few provocative comedy acts – I hear that Jerry Sadowitz is a bit of a one!
The cost of living is a big issue this year – will it make this Fringe more challenging?
Yes – even though I actually LIVE in Edinburgh – everything costs more. You got to admire those folk coming from Australia and other far flung places.
What do you predict will emerge as the big themes of this year.
Oh … the importance of being REAL, AUTHENTIC & GUTSY (exemplified (of course) by THE COUNTESS OF FIFE) – in a world of fakeness & fake fakeness!
Who is your showbiz idol and why?
Liza Minelli
Surely a singing and dancing genius.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
At the end of The Countess show 300 agents & promotors rush the stage overcome with tears (a few nearly messing themselves with excitement) and tell me THE COUNTESS is everything they’ve ever dreamed of and more !!
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE
Gilded Balloon, Patterhoose, Venue 24
Friday 11th Aug 10.30pm
£17/15
