He’s been called anti-comedy, indefinable and ‘a cult’ – but what does Nate Kitch think he’s doing? Entertainment Now asked him to answer some pertinent questions.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
It’s absurdly hilarious about the charltan &/or genius of Rasputin (sort of) plus other things. I think like any organic process it’s different everday, I’m aiming for the same bits (& beats) but you gotta throw caution to the wind. One show last year we ended before the “finale” we’d had too much fun laughing at nothing, and that’s something. It’s all a loop.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
Probably my hat. you’ll have to come to the show to see the hat bit but it’s my favourite bit. That’s what it all is isn’t it, bits & beats & hats & masks.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Samuel J. Dutton
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Off-Beat, machiavellian?, Stupid, I don’t know why; you’ve got to just follow your instincts I suppose, do what feels natural to you and keep the audience on their toes, which is tricky ‘cos, as we know, they are in most cases, sat down.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
Phil Jarvis he’s one of a kind but since he’s not here: Caitriona Dowden, Mark Dean Quinn aka “The Cheese Man”, Jain Edwards, Ali Brice, Yogie Belle, Mayor & His Daughter, The Duncan Brothers (minus one Duncan Brother), Consignia, Munnery, Christie, Kearns, Key, Kitson. etc..
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
Just get more eyeballs on whatever I’m doing & bigger sounds out of those god-forsaken mouths. Just keep playing, building both the show I love & as Chortle said: “the Cult.” Essentially you gotta have fun with it.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
Fire alarms, I did 30 mins in the streets last year (and others in the hallway) but mainly money; everything is expensive now and for everyone. The arts are dying, everything is a product, it used to be a dream now it comes with fries. I appreciate anyone who can buy a ticket and take a punt, I can’t always be what you want me to be but we can build it together (on my terms.)
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
Something, anything; I think the worst thing a show can feel after was, ‘good’, what is good? Bread is good. Art confounds or challenges you. The best compliment I get is people coming to the shows more than once: some cos they love it, some cos they don’t believe it & some cos they hated it, then in retropspect the penny drops and they wanna ride the mule again.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
You gotta take it easy in show business. My advice is to avoid all paparazzi and fans, keep staring at the floor whenever you are not on stage and at the soonest possible moment, adopt and maintain a horizontal position. Rotate twice, maybe.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
I wake up, absolutely flawless bowel movement, show is triple sold out and punters are already laughing at the mere concept of going to see me, I have the gig of my life, I walk off stage to find out I am in the T***graph’s top 278 Jokes of the fringe. I see some other great shows, a few pints, a fat mozzarella stick & then I got off the bus, so yeah.
Nate Kitch: Something Different!!!, 17.00, Gilded Balloon, July 30 – August 25
Buy tickets here:
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/nate-kitch-something-different
