Natalie Palamides
Published: Tuesday 14th December 2021
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week that person is the Netflix star, Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer (2017! Time flies...) and all-round good egg, Natalie Palamides, who brings tidings of great joy.
Turns out she's back in the UK to do that 2017 winner, Laid, at Soho Theatre. Tremendous news - but what is Laid, for any newcomers?
"Thank you! I would describe the show as a dark, demented, and silly 1950's housewife's fever dream... I think? I'm not sure what the show says about my personal psyche, but in a nutshell it's about a woman who lays an egg every day and has to decide whether to raise it or eat it. You know, that classic existential crisis about eating your young."
Indeed, and you can find the damn-fine follow-up, Nate, on Netflix. Actually Natalie spoke to us just a few hours before the first Soho date, on Monday, and it runs right through festive week, until early January. So why the comeback now?
"Well, when Soho Theatre reached out to me about remounting the show, I couldn't say no! I love Soho and I've been dying to do live theatre again... it's been nearly two years since I've done a full hour. Yikes, the threat of rust is real. Lord help me!!!!"
Well, it's the time of year for that sort of thing. Natalie Palamides, your Random 8 await.
Did you have a childhood career dream?
To be on Saturday Night Live.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
A guy named Magyae who lived in the woods of the Scottish Highlands. We gave him a lift to the bus stop on our way to Edinburgh. He sang us a song and told us about all of his fairy friends. He's certain fairies are real and I believe him!
What's the best thing you ever wrote?
10 years from now I wrote the greatest American novel.
What's the weirdest festive/New Year thing you ever saw?
Hmm, well, at a 2020 New Year's Eve party I got punched in the face by a male stripper when he was doing the classic 'pants rip off' move. I got a black eye going into 2020, nothing more poetic has ever happened in the history of the world.
Which historical figure should get more attention?
Your mother.
Is there a book we should all read, to make life a bit better?
Oh gosh, I think the books I read are maybe a bit too depressing for this question. Give The Old Man and the Sea or Brave New World a go for some fictional wisdom and perspective.
What's the worst thing in your wardrobe?
The lion - just kidding, he's cool. The witch has serious attitude!!!
Which low-key law would you introduce?
No more plastic bags n' bottles. Why we still even doing the plastic bags? It's killin' my ass.
'Laid' is at the Soho Theatre until January 8th. Info & Tickets
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