Danish comic Sofie Hagen has been wowing Edinburgh audiences since winning a best newcomer award in 2015. With a uniquely folksy storytelling style Sofie is always challenging, full of surprises and invariably has the best show titles and one of the most eye catching posters on the Fringe. We can’t wait to find out what this brilliant comic has to say this year – sounds like there is quite a story to tell.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
If you’re a left-wing person and you’re a bit sick of the purity culture on the left, I think you’d like my show. I used to be a very angry online person, because I wanted to feel like a good person – and now I’m looking at the world, like ‘oopsie, so that didn’t work, I guess’ and in the show, I explore how to cope with that and what to do next. There’s also a story about the crazy mayor in the town I grew up in – so far, audiences have had to Google his name after the show, because they can’t believe that what I’m saying is true. And it is. It’s all true.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
It’s the first real political show I’ve ever done and it’s also the first time, I’m the villain in my own show, instead of the victim of something. And isn’t it just so fun, to watch someone fuck up and talk about fucking up, right in front of you?
Do you have a Fringe idol?
My current Fringe idol is Monkey Barrel and everyone who helps run the venue. They have the best staff and it’s just the loveliest place to perform. I’m so lucky to be back there again this year. I’m also going back when I’m on tour. They’ve truly changed the fringe for the better.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
If I was able to describe anything using just three words, I’d have been a haiku-poet and not a comedian needing 60 minutes to make a fairly simple point.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
Oh, so many. Marty Gleeson’s debut Dog Ear sounds incredible. Jordan Brookes always ends up having my favourite show of the fringe, so I’ve got high expectations for his new one. I’m obsessed with Helen Bauer, Lou Wall, Chris Cantrill, Milo Edwards, Fatiha El-Ghorri. I’ve already seen Lara Ricote’s show which is so incredible, I’m going to see it at least once more. I also can’t wait to see some Americans, like Gianmarco Soresi and Kristen Schaal.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
In my first year, in 2015, a man left a note that said ‘I’ll pay you to put me in a diaper and treat me like a baby’ and I just laughed. Now I’m saving for a deposit, so I hope he comes back, because I lost his number.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
There are approximately 3,000 shows I want to see and only so many hours in the day. And people are so good and talented, I find it really hard to justify why people should go see my show. I mean, they should, but if they’d also have an equally great time at so many other shows. It’s my most unpopular opinion that the festival should last several months.
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
I hope they’ll be blown away by how nice of a person I am. And funny, but also, like wow, she’s so nice.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
I recently had to move back to Denmark, so I’m planning on hanging out with all of my friends, who are also doing shows. I feel like I only get to see them when we’re doing comedy festivals. I also plan on recording my podcast, Sofieland, which is kind of like hanging out with my friends, but we both get content out of it.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
It’s a weekday, say, Tuesday. I have a sold out show and the audience is just lovely. I watch five shows by five friends and they’re all great and they all go well. I eat at Mama India’s for dinner and that baked potato stall for lunch. It doesn’t rain, at all. I buy a scented candle from that witchy shop on Candlemaker Row. I buy books at Lighthouse Bookshop. I do some weird late-night gig where comedians have to tell secrets or do something they’ve never done before. Right before I go to sleep, I get a notification that Edinburgh has banned Silent Disco walking tours. I sleep for nine hours.
Sofie Hagen: I Think Some Of This Is My Fault: Monkey Barrel. 4th-31st August (not Mondays), 15.20
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sofie-hagen-i-think-some-of-this-is-my-fault
