Celya AB is good in a crisis but cries at flashmob videos. Since reaching the final of the Funny Women Awards in 2019, she has had sell-out tours and appearances at JFL Montreal, Melbourne ICF, and Live at The Apollo. Celya returns to the Fringe to tackle the big three: beauty, money and the void – what else does a woman need?
Tell us about your show?
My show is about the big threes: money, love and the void. It’s very different from my previous shows as I started therapy this year, making me the first comedian to talk about mental health and I believe the bravest girl in the world.
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I love the Fringe. It’s the third year in a row doing full runs for a lot of us and I feel proud of all of us for writing new shows each year. I’m returning to the Courtyard, this time in the biggest venue I’ve performed at for the month, the lovely Pleasance Above.
I look forward to hopping on the 12.00pm train from King’s Cross (it’s me! LNER Rigby!), seeing the same little house in Berwick on the way and doing it the other way around a month later, probably nursing a cold, but with lots of new memories.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
Yes! Earnest alert: set up a couple goals for the month that are in your control. Do your best to look after yourself and your pals. Have a strong support system you can relax with. It may be a month-long work conference but you’ll need people you can laugh and be honest with.
You’ll have good and bad shows, shows where you’re in self-driving mode (hello week four) and shows where you forget the set up to quite an structurally important call back. All of this is normal.
Be nice to people. Find the right balance between being a hermit and also letting off steam.
Finally it’s always fun to tell a friend who didn’t go to the industry party the night before that they missed out, and that everyone at the bash is going to be the next James Bond.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
Kemah Bob, Amy Gledhill, Chelsea Birkby and Stevie Martin are some of the funniest people I know and I can’t wait to see their shows. I also saw Melanie Bracewell during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and loved her show, she’s brilliant. PSA: do NOT go to any of these if you’re scared of having a laugh.
Celya AB: Of All People is at the Pleasance Courtyard – Above at 5.20pm. Book tickets here.
Picture credit: Rachel Sherlock.
