Award-winning comedian, mental health advocate, and ‘experience to behold’ Harriet Dyer is back at the Fringe this year with her brand new show Trigger Warning, show about serious subjects that Harriet spins into punchlines. We spoke to Harriet about her show, keeping on point and losing the props…
Funny Women: Tell us about your show.
Harriet Dyer: My show is essentially about something serious that used to happen to me but is embezzled in a tale of fun, chaos, and a paper round which I believe makes it very unique. I’ve never done anything without props or anything before so it’s nice to be stripped down to just words… with very few dinosaurs.
FW: Have you found it difficult to stick to one story?
HD: Yes, I bloody have! I keep getting sidetracked and going very off-piste due to my own attention span which I’ve had to have a word with myself about because it’s fine to do when not in Edinburgh but it’s an important story that I’ve worked very hard on making into this show so I need to wind my neck in Mrs. Magpie and wang it out as it is meant.
FW: How does it feel to be returning to a ‘back to normal’ Edinburgh Fringe?
HD: It feels great. My partner’s kids moved in with us during lockdown so it’s been nice to escape them and have my own toilet. I’m living with a lovely bunch in Musselburgh and having a splendid time. It’s so nice to do a show every day for a month too.
FW: Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
HD: Don’t be beige, it’s not a holiday so don’t get pissed every day, and when things don’t go to plan work harder.
FW: Who are the funny women are you hoping to see in Edinburgh this year?
HD: Esther Manito, Lily Phillips, Elf Lyons, Lou Conran, Rachel Jackson
Harriet Dyer: Trigger Warning is at Gilded Balloon Patterhoose at 16:20 until 28th August. For tickets visit edfringe.com
