Lee Minora

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 2nd April 2019

One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's Philadelphia experimentalist is Lee Minora, an acclaimed comedian, theatre-maker and commentator from that fine state, who's flying in for a three-day festival this weekend: The Sick of the Fringe: Care and Destruction.

That intriguingly-named festival takes place at three venues along London's Euston Road, and is the springboard for a year-long programme of events, covering 'all aspects of health: mental, physical and societal.' Which may not sound necessarily mirthsome, but there's a high-calibre comedy element along with the music, theatre, dance and discussions.

Many events are free, too, including the comedy double bill. Lawrence Clark will perform his excellent Edinburgh Fringe show An Irresponsible Father's Guide to Parenting at the Wellcome Collection on Saturday and Sunday, then Minora performs White Feminist there later on both days. How does it work?

"White Feminist is a scorching comedy," she explains. "It's about a well-intentioned, liberal talk-show host named Becky Harlowe. The show is an investigation of what white women and allies do when they have good intentions but shit impacts. There's no fourth wall in this show. The actual audience members are part of Becky's studio audience and I will talk to them. So come prepared to laugh at yourself or be laughed at!"

A good life lesson generally, that. Lee Minora, your Random 8 await.

Did you have a childhood hero?

I don't think I had a childhood hero. But I did have an imaginary friend who I called the Joker and whenever I did something bad I blamed it on him. Weirdly, I didn't really talk to the Joker. Actually, I don't think I really believed in him or anything. I just thought other people would and I used him as a scapegoat. And as I'm telling this story out loud, I'm realising that is pretty messed up of me.

What's the best performance you ever gave?

I'll tell you about a performance I was really proud of. When I went to Edinburgh Fringe for the first time two middle-age men came to my show and were heckling me. They kept saying I should "suck their balls."

In that show there is a part where I eat what is supposed to be faeces. So I got to this part where I eat the shit and I looked at them and said "Still tastes better than your balls." And the whole audience applauded and they got up and left and that felt pretty incredible.

Who should be America's next President - if not a politician?

I mean at this point an actual hot dog would be better than what we've got. But if I'm picking a non-politician I'd say Oprah. What can't she do? She's amazing.

What's the best (non-comedy) room you've ever been in?

I work as a teaching artist and those are some of my favourite rooms. I teach high-schoolers and they're so damn quick and smart and funny. They can smell bullshit a mile away. So, yeah, the classroom. My students are so awesome.

Which low-key law would you introduce, to make life better?

Well I feel like at this point a cis white lady maybe shouldn't make too many of our laws, but how about don't pee on the toilet seat? I'm sick of sitting on the toilette and landing into someone else's pee. Just... ugh... it's gross.

Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?

Hmm, I once worked at a cafe and someone who was sitting enjoying some coffee forgot their handgun in the bathroom. I found the gun and was panicked.

While I was standing guarding in front of the bathroom door, since I was too afraid to even remove it from the bathroom, they got up and casually took their gun back. Then they just sat down and finished their coffee. And I am continually baffled by the idea that this person is so terrified of the world they insist on carrying a gun with them but somehow not frightened enough to remember it.

But maybe they weren't so much interesting as they were just an asshole. Yeah, that's just a story about an asshole.

What's your favourite mode of transport?

The car. I love the car. I love driving. It's just a feeling of autonomy that can't be beat.

Who are you most envious of?

At this point I really like being me. I don't think I would change that, which is good since I can't.