Síomha wants to be a teen pop star. There’s just one problem: she’s about to turn 35. Can she find a loophole? Is there success beyond 30 under 30?
Irish TikTok sensation, Síomha Hennessy, is making her much-awaited return to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 following last year’s successful run with award-nominated The Coil’s Lament. This year’s comedy cabaret show is a reflection on her period of voluntary celibacy.
Tell us about your show.
My show is for the underachievers! ‘30 Under 30’ is a comedy cabaret with original songs that grapples with questions plaguing late bloomers and dropouts everywhere. Is it ever too late to become the person we want to be? Are we good enough as we are? And is it possible to be successful in the entertainment industry in your thirties without having to take part in a Dove ‘’positive ageing’’ campaign?
Following a sold-out Dublin Fringe run that garnered rave reviews, this hour is for anyone who’s ever felt out of step with their peers. It will make you laugh but ultimately leave you feeling hopeful!
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
Well you’ve caught me at peak stress time and questioning why the hell I’ve taken this on again. I’m self-producing this year, and I’ll be honest – as a young girl, I didn’t dream of fielding emails about public liability insurance, risk assessment forms, tech specs, accommodation problems and baggage allowance for instruments on planes. I know it’ll be very fun once it kicks off, but there’s a real slog that goes into it. I really need a manager! In fact, please consider this an official job listing.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
Be brazen, especially when flyering. Some people will frown upon this message, but the masses come to Edinburgh in August looking for shows to attend and it’s your job to lure them to your show! Don’t be afraid to be brazen about it, be silly, capture their attention. Is it undignified? Absolutely. But I’ve sold most of my tickets that way.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
I’m going to plug my Irish sisters here – but it’s not just because they’re Irish – I’m genuinely excited to see these shows, they are, Becky Cheatle, Grave Mulvey and Sinead O’Brien. I also love Catherine Cohen, who is basically a successful version of me! But hey, what is success anyway? Come to my show and we’ll delve into that more!
Siomha Hennessy: 30 Under 30, 1-11 and 13-26 August at 9.40pm, at the Gilded Balloon Pattern House. Book tickets here.
