Connor Burns on adding extra shows to his Fringe run
As Connor Burns adds extra shows to his Fringe run, we talk to him about turning 30, and how social media is changing stand-up careers.
Hi Connor. How's your festival going? We hear you've added a number of matinee performances.
Yeah the response has been incredible, the 9.45pm shows made it slightly difficult for people catching trains etc so we have added 4pm shows on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th.
To keep packing out that room is impressive. Have you been actively working on building up a fanbase?
I can't quite believe it myself. Posting the clips to social media has made all the difference but what's nice is there's also still a healthy dose of word of mouth and I really appreciate anyone who sends friends along to see me.
Your show it titled 1994... the year you were born?
Yeah, which maths fans will realise means I turned 30 this year. So it's a bit about that but also about comparing my parents' generation and looking at how the world has changed in that time, all with a healthy dose of sweary ranting.
In 1994 there was no Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok or Facebook... How important is social media to your career?
It's changed absolutely everything, sometimes I get annoyed about how much extra work is involved in terms of editing video, creating content but ultimately every minute you put into building your social media only serves to create a direct relationship with your own fan base which traditional TV can't really do.
Are you finding time to enjoy the festival generally, or staying in and focusing solely on your show?
I always give myself the first week to just focus on my show and get it into the shape I want it to be. Now that the show is running smoothly I try and catch a few shows, particularly mates from the comedy circuit that I seldom get to hang out with the rest of the year.
What's next for you, post-Fringe?
A wee bit of time off but not much, then I'll be heading out opening for another comic on their tour for a while before starting my own UK tour in the winter. So no rest for the wicked.
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