Alison Spittle’s show Big has been turning heads at the Fringe for its uncompromising take on the issue of body image and self worth.
After a life-threatening emergency Alison had to lose some weight – but she felt very peculiar about it. She tells Entertainment Now why she felt she had to talk about this on stage – and why she thinks the Scottish comedy scene deserves more love.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
Big is about being fat and then trying to be less fat and feeling torn about it.
I’m best at expressing my ideas and feeling in stand up. I’m afraid with the written word I fall short.
Come if you want to feel like you’re in a night club toilet with a hundred strangers while your fat friend trauma dumps on you whilst trying to keep the vibe chipper.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
I like joking about stuff that made me sad at one point, making points and hiding opinions behind laughs.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Can the Scottish comedy scene stand as an idol? cos they do the best shows and get little of the praise.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Naturalistic? I think, i try and quell my lisp, keep the slang to a minimum, project etc but the rest is just me. Sometimes i forget to open my eyes, like a folk singer but instead of singing about a united Ireland, it’s about the politics of other stuff.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
The Scottish comedy scene and the lady behind the counter in Noodles and Dumplings, she knows me, she can see inside my soul.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
I will definitely get my nails done at usa nailz, very cheap and incredible work, I get constellations.
I hope to leave edinburgh not financially destroyed with the chance of better paid gigs throughout the year so I can afford to live in london.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
My working class chip on my shoulder. I know so many lovely people who are able to pursue art because their grandparents made good choices.
I can’t keep humanising every nepobaby by finding out their secrets and doubts.
I must let go of the rage at the idea of nepobabies and instead
I must turn this anger on my grandparents and my family in general. .
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
OOOOh i wish her well and hopes she sorts out her life. hopefully see her on tv in a couple of years with a sense of relief that she’s ok.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
I watch documentaries such as chimp crazy about pet monkeys who violently turn on their wonders for feeding them happy meals or the big reunion, where late 90’s bands violently turn on Simon Fuller for their treatment.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
I eat a sensible breakfast, do some exercise, gas up my flatmates, do a gig and then be a silly little bitch the rest of the night and have fun. Try to not gossip.
Alison Spittle: Big! 16.45, Monkey Barrel 1
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/alison-spittle-big
