Nerine Skinner was runner up in the Funny Women Content Creator Award in 2023 having gone viral with her parodies of Prime Minister Liz Truss. Outlasted in Downing Street by a lettuce, Truss’s political relevance faded and the country moved on. But Nerine didn’t. Through hilarious, original, oddball characters, award-nominated political parodies and heartfelt storytelling, this is the story of Nerine trying to let go. Examining how holding onto the past and her unconventional upbringing led to an unhealthy codependency with the former Prime Minister.
Tell us about your show.
Back in 2022 I started doing parodies of Liz Truss. It was going really well and then 49 days later everything stopped! I think I was the only one who was benefiting from Liz Truss’ premiership. Since then, whatever I do, I’m compared to Liz Truss and every time I think she has gone, she pops up with a new book, or a launch of a new party. My show explores my co-dependency with her, as well as concerning similarities as I try to move on with my career and life. The show features stand up and heartfelt stories, songs and silliness, as well as many characters, both political and non-political, who help me throughout the show to exorcise her from my life.
How does it feel to be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m really excited about performing at the Fringe with my debut show. I’ve been to the festival with my comedy duo and trio before but never on my own and I’m really nervous and excited! I am really looking forward to the adventure! I feel overwhelmed but feel safer in the knowledge that so many other people must be feeling the same way. I’m really looking forward to meeting loads of new, lovely and talented people and being inspired by their shows.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
I think to just try and soak up the experience and remove the pressure as much as possible (although that’s easier said than done!) It’s such an achievement to take a show to Edinburgh, so enjoying the experience and how far you’ve come is amazing in itself. And also to meet and chat with other performers and find a group that you can connect with and look after each other.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh
this year?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Claire Parry, Tatty Macleod, Lorna Rose Treen, Holly and Brooke, Flo Lace-Evans, Tiggy Bayley and many, many more!
Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss takes place at Just The Tonic, The Caves, 1st-25th August 2024 (not 12th) 2:40pm. Book tickets here. Photo Credit Karla Gowlett.
