BC:AD – Before Children, After Diapers, explores Vaidyanathan’s life before children and after – from international triathlete, engineer and filmmaker to being a mum. The show is a love letter to all the harangued parents and wannabe parents out there as they navigate this crazy world, pre-occupied with parenting. It’s a floor-path lighting plan for the believers, the skeptics and the agnostics on the after-effects of shifting to the service lane, in life, in love and with a sense of permanence.
You’ve performed this show previously, why did you decide to bring it back?
I first performed this show at the Fringe back in 2022 and now I have even more material! I’m really excited that off the back of the first run of the show that I’ve now received a book offer and so I’ll also be doing this as part of a bigger tour after August.
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
I feel super grateful. I think I took my first run for granted (I arrived thinking there were four venues and four hundred shows, only to discover there were four hundred venues and four thousand shows). In the second year I performed, I was overcoming a huge mental health challenge so I didn’t enjoy it at all and couldn’t wait to leave. This year, I have slowed time down to my own liking, I’m hope this will help me appreciate the place in a very different light.
How are your children doing without you while you’re at Edinburgh Fringe?
Let’s be honest, they’re ecstatic. No more Cheetos police hanging around the house!
Have you got any tips for comedians performing at the festival for the first-time?
I’d say focus on your health, keep the basics in sight, eat timely, sleep as much as you can. Nothing is non-negotiable when you are in focus.
Which funny women do you recommend seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
My money is on Ania Magliano, Chloe Petts, Hannah Platt, Kiri Pritchard Mc-Lean, Jay Lafferty, Sara Pascoe and three hundred others. There are so many wonderful shows but these women are at the top of my personal favourite list. They make it look easy.
Anu Vaidyanathan: BC:AD – Before Children, After Diapers, 31st July – 18th August (not the 12th), 3.40pm at Gilded Balloon, Patter House (The Penny). Book tickets here.
Photo credit: Rebecca Willow
