Harriet Braine interview
Published: Sunday 19th August 2018
BCG talks to musical comedian Harriet Braine about her 2018 Edinburgh Fringe experience...
What's the one lifesaver you're glad you packed?
I'm glad I packed a gift - a roll of prints of old celestial charts (as you do) - for the people I'm staying with, because now I have space to buy stuff (whisky) to take home.
Have you noticed anything different about the Fringe this year?
This sounds like a trick question... No I haven't really noticed any massive differences. Maybe a few of the venues have been slightly spruced up. Some even have air conditioning.
Where's the place you go to escape the madness!?
I'd like to say 'the Hebrides' but I actually just make sure to have meals at weird times to get some relative peace. I'm currently in a lovely calm TheSpace venue bar. The Talbot Rice Gallery is a great place in the middle of town to escape to for a bit. Depending on what they've got on. Sometimes contemporary art can be very loud.
Where do you like to relax after a show?
The number 7 or 14 bus back to Leith. And if someone makes me stay out after a show I like to go to Dagda Bar.
What shows have you seen that really stand out?
I've seen some really good shows but nothing that's properly blown my mind yet... but Daniel Cook's Carpet was really good... and a short set at the Musical Comedy Guide Showcase by Flo &Joan was just brilliant. I can't wait to see their whole show. That might be where my mind gets blown irreparably.
What's been the highlight of your Fringe so far?
I played a bit of frisbee on the meadows on day one, which was a good start. I did my first ever lip sync battle at Lip Sync Lollapalooza on the first Friday which was really fun. I didn't win. But I didn't mind.
What can people expect from your show?
It's billed as a work in progress show, but it's actually coming together as a nice hour. I'm a librarian during the apocalypse going through voicemails from a range of strange characters who have many questions ...and I give each of them an answer (in song form of course). It's also a love story. Something for everyone!
Sum up your Fringe experience in a word...
Shush!
Help us publish more great content by becoming a BCG Supporter. You'll be backing our mission to champion, celebrate and promote British comedy in all its forms: past, present and future.
We understand times are tough, but if you believe in the power of laughter we'd be honoured to have you join us. Advertising doesn't cover our costs, so every single donation matters and is put to good use. Thank you.
Love comedy? Find out more