Amelia Hamilton
Published: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.
This week we welcome the freshest voice in that rarely-ventured venn diagram, stand-up and hip-hop: it's Amelia Hamilton, who's currently working on her first hour, Forget Me Not, which will launch properly at the Edinburgh Fringe this August. Before that she's bringing it to Brighton for a three-show run in May - but will it be the finished article?
"My Brighton Fringe run is by no means my finished Edinburgh debut hour," Amelia admits, "but I think at some point you have to stop billing shows as a WIP to put a bit of pressure on yourself. Forget Me Not still has a lot of changing and evolving to do but it's something I am happy to put my name to now."
Crafting your material into a coherent hour can be a challenge - how is she finding it?
"I am absolutely loving the process," she says. "It is very different from writing club sets. You have so much time to develop a relationship with the audience and space to elaborate on your ideas. Of course, making a show is frustrating at times and there is lots of stress too but the joy of it supersedes it all. I feel incredibly lucky and am honestly having the best time."
"Doing an Edinburgh hour has been an aim of mine since before I started comedy. In 2019, way before I did my first gig, I was in Amsterdam on holiday with my friends. After a few drinks we went round the table saying what our dreams would be. I said to have my own show at Edinburgh Fringe. I've had to set some new dreams now."
We'll get straight to some others, too. Amelia Hamilton, your Random 8 await.
What was your childhood career dream?
Olympic swimmer. I was a high-level competitive swimmer until I discovered alcohol and seeing 5am from the other side, and I've never looked back.
Ever walked out of a film (before the end)?
I've never walked out on anything. If I've paid, I'll get my money's worth of misery or enjoyment.
I should have walked out on a show at the last Edinburgh Fringe. It was one of the worst things I've ever seen but my conflict-averse friends and I dutifully stayed, having a horrible time for the full 50 minutes. You do get to complain about it after though and that is probably worth the money.
What are the best and worst things in your wardrobe?
I think the answer to both these things are my sister's ex-boyfriends' clothes. It's my hot tip for girls out there, your sister can't wear the clothes of her past lovers but you definitely can. This and Vinted compile 90% of what I wear.
I can't name any specific items in case these men crawl out from the woodwork and ask for their items back. I've got plausible deniability right now. This Nike jumper? No, I've had it for years, sorry (redacted) you must be mistaken. I know for a fact at least two of them will be reading this right now. *You're So Vain by Carly Simon starts playing in the background*
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
Amy Williams. She won Gold for Skeleton Bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics. It takes a certain kind of madness to do that. Madness makes the most interesting people. Ask any comedian.
What's the greatest invention, ever?
Uniqlo cross body bag. Call me basic. Best invention of the 21st century. I've been an advocate for years and I have changed the lives of many. Although I am thinking I may venture into being a handbag girl for summer. It will make my life objectively worse, but I might look cooler. I'm working out if I'm willing to make the sacrifice. I'll get back to you on that.
Is there a book, album or show that changed your life?
Yes. Constantly. I did a philosophy degree and have lots of proper thoughts but no one wants to hear that so maybe I'll just stick with my top artist for 2024. The modern day philosopher Ludacris. Take your pick of any of his albums. Life changing.
What should be Britain's next national anthem?
Our national anthem is actually great if you speed it up, why we play it so slowly is beyond me. Type in dance remix of God Save the Queen, it is a tune. All the ingredients are there. Just double the bpm and chuck in a couple of key changes and I reckon we'll be okay as a nation.
Who are you most envious of?
Everyone all of the time and I love it! I have tried hard to switch my feelings on jealousy. You can only be envious of something you want. I'm not jealous of anyone with a Porsche because I don't want one.
Envy is a perfect signpost. It doesn't necessarily mean you don't want someone else to have something. It just means you want it too. I think it's great to be envious of your friends. Be jealous, be inspired and celebrate them wildly.
Amelia Hamilton: Forget Me Not will be at Half A Camel's Maris & Otter for the Brighton Fringe, 9-11 May. Details & tickets
Then at the Edinburgh Fringe, at The Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), from 30th July. Details & tickets
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