Twayna Mayne’s debut stand up show ‘Black Girl’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard during the month of August.
1 Tell us about your Fringe show
The central theme of the show is me. It's about being a black woman and issues of identity and how identity is formed. I talk a little bit about Beyonce and Diane Abbott and then talk a little bit about being adopted at fourteen, all lighthearted topics. It's also very funny and interesting, even if I may say so myself.
2 How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
This is my third Fringe, but my first full hour. Two years ago I did a short show on my own, last year I was part of a showcase with two other people, this year I’m back to doing a longer show on my own. It feels a little daunting at times but I’ve been to Fringe before and half know what to expect now.
3 Best live act you’ve seen at a Fringe?
Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White are Mother and Baby, I saw them in 2015 and thought their show was hilarious. Last year I saw both of Spencer Jones’ shows and enjoyed them too. I like leftfield wacky stuff and am hoping to find something similar again this year.
4 Best thing about the Fringe?
It's a great showcase for all kinds of performing arts. During the run I'll try and see a few bits, not just comedy. It's nice having it all in the same city at the same time and if you're lucky enough you might find something amazing.
5 Worst thing about the Fringe?
As a performer be prepared to lose money, it's not a cheap experience. The full run is long at just under a month, it’s a long time to be away from my own bed, my friends and lots of pairs of shoes and trainers. I find it difficult deciding what and how many pairs to take with me. I’ll also mostly complain about the weather, as much as I like Edinburgh, in August it can be quite cold and wet.
6 If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be working in an office and being bored on a daily basis. Saying that being bored motivated me to find something creative do outside of work, so maybe I’d be doing something else like learning to play a musical instrument or something.
7 How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
Go for a walk, listen to music and go over material. Nerves are good, I don't mind feeling nervous. It's about managing them.
8 Worst on stage experience?
In the early days I used to forgot jokes but if that happens now, I'll tell the audience and turn that experience into a joke. Audiences don't care if you've forgotten something, they just want you to be consistently funny. I don’t plan on forgetting bits of Edinburgh show though.
9 What do you love about Scotland?
I like the buildings, especially the tenements. One of my friends is from Glasgow and we stayed in his flat a few years ago it was the first time I'd come across buildings like that.
10 What do you like about Edinburgh?
I think it's a beautiful city. I like the fact you can still see the old buildings, London's old bits are being swamped by high-rise glass towers. One day I'd like to come back and visit when the festival's not on and have a good look around.
11 What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
So far the most Scottish thing I’ve done is eat square sausage. This year I might mix it up a bit and drink some local gin and then eat some more square sausage.
12 Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Tunnock’s Tea Cakes, feel free to bring some when you come and see me.
13 Sum up your show in three words
Interesting, funny, moving.
Twayna Mayne’s debut stand up show ‘Black Girl’ will be at the Pleasance Courtyard – This for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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