Hi Emmeline, thanks for talking to us. Let’s dive in, how did you get into comedy?
I got into comedy because I had a very kind teacher called Mrs Perrett who encouraged me to read my strange little poems in school assemblies as a teenager. I quickly became addicted to the high of earning a laugh and sought out other comedy opportunities. I ended up writing some jokes for a BBC sketch show about Scottish Independence. I was highly unqualified to do this as I was 16 at the time and, crucially, knew less than nothing about the intricacies of the referendum, but I didn’t let that stop me! God bless the confidence of youth! I then cut my teeth doing sketch comedy at university and have been a gigging character comedian ever since.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
Brainsluts is a slightly surreal satire set over the course of a 5-week-long drugs trial. There are 4 participants who all appear to be there because they are struggling to make ends meet. They have disparate (and, in most cases, odd) personalities so the play gives the audience a sort of fly-on-the-wall perspective as they all try to make sense of each other. I play the slightly useless but ultimately well-meaning doctor who is trying to keep control of proceedings. As well as providing tongue-in-cheek commentary on the gig economy, Dan Bishop has written a hugely funny play that is a true pleasure to be a part of. Brainsluts has a London run at the Seven Dials Playhouse and Riverside Studios 21st-24th July and then is at the Pleasance 10 Dome at 14:45 throughout the Fringe.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My mum. She won’t mind me saying that . . . I don’t think . . . She is truly hilarious and when I am writing jokes for my alter ego Gail Sumemrfield, I often think about what my mum would say: WWLD – What Would Louise Do? I love off-beat logic and gags which are both funny and have an undercurrent of tragedy. Though I’m not saying my mum is tragic . . . ok, I can feel myself digging a hole I can’t get out of . . .
Any advice for those starting out/ taking their first show to Edinburgh?
I have advice but it’s not particularly fun. Don’t overdo it. Pace yourself. Eat a vegetable once every few days if you can. But . . . on the other hand . . . you’re not going to come away from Edinburgh financially richer, so you might as well be rich in wonderful memories. That advice feels conflicting. Sorry.
And what’s next for you?
I am currently doing London work-in-progress shows, building towards a full hour of my character Gail Summerfield – Milton Keynes’ premier agony-aunt-cum-life-coach. It’s so much fun and I love chucking stuff (new material) at a wall (a willing audience) and seeing what sticks. I’m also directing a sketch show, Will and Noah: Too Much Time on Their Phones (Underbelly Clover, 15:55), and collaborating on Will Owen’s stand up hour Looking Fab at Fifty (Assembly Roxyboxy, 20:30). I’m going to have an extremely busy, unhinged, glorious Fringe. Buzzing.
You can keep up with Emmeline and all things Brainsluts by following on Instagram – @brainsluts.play @actual_emmeline
You can find out more about the show and get your tickets here.
