Award-winning comedian Esther Manito is back at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe with her new show #NotAllMen, which charts Esther’s time growing up as a young woman of Middle Eastern heritage in the UK, surrounded by the famous (or infamous) lad culture of the 90s. We caught up with Esther to talk about looking after yourself at the Fringe and Nuts magazine…
Funny Women: Tell us about your show!
Esther Manito: It’s a biographical show that takes you back to the 90s; lad mags, calling landlines, the vast amount of cock and ball graffiti, and trying to imagine what I would ever hope for from a future spouse. Being told by the media around me that my middle eastern heritage was filled with misogynistic men compared to western fellas, yet Nuts magazine seemed to give a very different message…
FW: How does it feel to be returning to a ‘back to normal’ Fringe?
EM: It feels surreal. I am not looking forward to endless nerves!
FW: Have you got any tips for those going up to the Fringe for the first time?
EM: Makes sure you eat and sleep well and don’t compare yourself with others!
FW: Which funny women are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
EM: Lily Philips, Harriet Dyer, Katie Pritchard, Amy Gledhill, Tiff Stevenson and Jess Fostekew.
Esther Manito: #NotAllMen is at the Gilded Balloon, Wee Room at 7.20pm 3rd-29th August. For tickets visit edfringe.com.
