In her no holds barred confessional show Michelle Shaughnessy reveals all – including a love of diet drugs and cosmetic surgery. A former tour support for Adam Hills and Ed Byrne ‘Too Late Baby’ is her second Fringe show – and takes a good hard look at what happens when you think you might have missed the boat.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
My new show is called ‘ Too Late, Baby’. It’s what happens when you wake up one day and realize THIS is your life. And maybe you’re not exactly happy with that fact. I spent most of 2023 an anxious mess. This show came out of the negativity I felt during that time and where those thoughts came from. I always kind of hid the real me from people and I’m done doing that. This show is a very honest representation of myself and I am absolutely loving how relatable it’s been to audiences during the previews so far.
What makes you laugh?
Honestly when I’m in a bad mood I put on Wayne’s World. I LOVE 90’s comedies. And I grew up watching that movie! It will never fail to put me in a good mood!! I also watch a lot of old sitcoms. Frasier, Cheers, Keeping up Appearances,
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Vulnerable, relatable, immoderate.
As for why, because that’s just who I am! I’m a mess! A hot mess but still a mess, nonetheless!
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
Sometimes. I’d love to say ya I still get nervous every time but I don’t. It’s random when I do. No rhyme or reason to it. And when it does hit I try to just imagine the audience laughing and cheering. I get MORE nerves from a one on one conversation than I ever do on a stage.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
Oh that’s a good question! I don’t eat meat and a few people have recommended I try ” David Banns”. It’s a vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh. I’ve been scoping out the menu and it looks amazing!
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I think people will be surprised with who I am. I present as confident and I am anything but that these days. I hope an audience will find it refreshing to see someone put their life out there.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
When I was four a teacher told me I could play Mary the in the school nativity play. Then the day the parts were given out came and she gave it to someone else! When I asked her and she said that never happened. But it did! I KNOW SHE SAID I COULD BE MARY!
So….I had to play a god damned Shepherd! A shepherd!!! That moment in my life was both my villain origin story AND when I knew I was meant to be in the limelight!
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
Art is important to everyone. It’s an integral part of life. It’s a part of being human. Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. I think it’s imperative that live performance never dies. And a festival like this, is one way to keep preserving and encouraging artists and their craft.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing?
I am SO excited to have a day show this year. I have no clue what I’ll be doing after my show is done but I am very excited to try to add some sort of relaxation into that mix!! Definitely getting a facial and a massage at some point!!!!
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Dolly Parton. She’s class. She is unapologetically herself. Plus, Dolly Parton is not just an international superstar, she is one of the most philanthropic celebrities ever!
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
I long for the moment when it hits me, probably during a show, that I am where I’m supposed to be and doing what I’m supposed to do. I miss that feeling.
Michelle Shaughnessy: Too Late Baby, 14.25 Underbelly Bristo Square, until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/michelle-shaughnessy-too-late-baby
