Jan Ravens debut Edinburgh show ‘Difficult Woman’ will be at the Gilded Balloon – Dining Room for the month of August.
1 Tell us about your Fringe show
It's called Difficult Woman, inspired by Ken Clarke's comment about Theresa May. There's lots of impressions of powerful women and a more personal look at how life has changed for middle aged women. In my mums day, it was a shampoo and set, a terylene cardigan and a hysterectomy. Now we have so many more options.
2 How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
It is very exciting and not a little terrifying to be doing my first solo hour at the Fringe. I have previously done revues and plays so there's lots of other people to blame if things don't go well....
3 Best live act you’ve seen at a Fringe?
The one that sticks in my memory is Tony Law's show in 2012. It was so inventive and he is brilliant at vocal characterisations.He makes it look so spontaneous too.
4 Best thing about the Fringe?
I love the vibrancy and diversity of all the entertainment on offer. And the way the whole city joins in. The streets, the parks, everywhere has an air of carnival about it.
5 Worst thing about the Fringe?
Flyering. In the active and the passive sense
6 If you were not a performer what would you be doing
I'd be on holiday somewhere else! A Greek island probably.
7 How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
Camomile tea, meditation and failing that, Valium.
8 Worst on stage experience?
When I was a student and we were touring the Footlights Revue , I got drunk one lunchtime and when I felt a bit rough before the show, some old sage advised me to drink a port and brandy. I went on stage so drunk, I barely knew where I was. It was terrifying. I know some comedians do, but I never drink before a show.
9 What do you love about Scotland?
I love the drama of it. The cities are so dour and majestic, and you can get into fantastic countryside really quickly.
10 What do you like about Edinburgh?
I love that you can walk round it and that there are so many different areas all with their own character. Last year I stayed in Leith, which was really sparky.
11 What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
Been to Burns night party.
12 Favourite Scottish food/drink?
I'm not keen on the traditional Scottish food, but there are some fantastic restaurants in Edinburgh. I have eaten delicious fish in Leith.
13 Sum up your show in three words
Funny, clever, boastful
Jan Raven’s debut Edinburgh show ‘Difficult Woman’ will be at the Gilded Balloon – Dining Room for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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