California born British citizen and Dave Joke of the Fringe Top 10 Liz Guterbock is back – but
her façade of American optimism is crumbling. With her trademark blend of wry storytelling and California sunshine, Liz will shine a light on the absurdities of life as an American in Britain and keep you away from those dark thoughts you’ve been having about how the world might be ending. She’ll do anything to keep you distracted. Maybe even clowning. She’ll be f***ing nice. Promise…
So Liz, tell us about your show…
This is my second hour of stand-up comedy. I will try, politely of course – to avoid talking politics, and instead tell you nice jokes about how I pronounce the word buoy, and how every British person is wistful about the sea (you’re feeling wistful at the mere mention of the sea! Admit it!). I’ll even do some lovely celebrity impressions to distract you from those dark thoughts you’ve been having about how the world might be ending. Doesn’t that sound nice?
What’s one element in your show that you didn’t think would feature, but is now a main part of the show?
If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d write a show that’s largely about how a clown gave me a new philosophy for living my life, I wouldn’t have believed you. And yet, here I am, about to go to the Edinburgh Fringe with a show that details how I learned an important life lesson from an actual, professional, American clown. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of non-clown related jokes and stories about my experience as an American living in the UK.
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
It feels great! The first year I ever did the Fringe with my split-bill partner Louise Bastock, we were in PBH Free Fringe’s Southsider. I’m so happy to be returning to the same great venue with my second hour of comedy this year – it feels like coming home. I can’t wait to meet new audiences. Also, I hear Oasis will be up there doing shows at the same time. I just hope the boys know they shouldn’t worry if the pressure of the Fringe gets too much. We all have tough days up there, but if they lean on each other I just know they’ll make it through the month stronger than ever.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
Try not to get bogged down in comparing yourself to other people (Liam, Noel, I’m looking at you). Edinburgh is one of the biggest arts marketplaces in the world, so it’s very easy to do that and to have a miserable time as a result. Even if someone looks like they’re having a great run, there are pressures and worries which come along with “success,” just as there are pressures and worries which come along with “failure.” Edinburgh is a chance to work on your craft – and sure, there are awards and things you could focus on, but you have no control over that. So, it’s better to focus on what you can control, which is how you show up for your performances every day. Doing the best show I can for the audience members who show up that day is the most important thing, even if it’s just one person in the audience. That’s right, Liam and Noel – even if just one person shows up, the show must go on. You got this, boys!
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
I can’t wait to see Mary O’Connell, Katie Norris, Desiree Burch, Amy Annette, Shalaka Kurup, Heidi Regan, Amy Mason and Oasis.
Wait. Everyone except that last one.
To keep up with Liz you can follow her on social media – @lizguterbock
You can see her show ‘Nice’ at PBH Free Fringe @ Southsider (Venue 148), 7pm, August 2-24. You can find out more and book your tickets here.
