Eleanor Morton is an award-winning comedian bringing her brand new show The Mermaid to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Exploring a lifelong fascination with these mythical creatures, Morton has cast a net into the sea of her memories to drag up nostalgic stories of Ariel, high school sex education, the dangers of sirens, and advice from vintage tween magazines. In The Mermaid, she explores the myths and legends of mermaids throughout time, why women have more power than they think, and the perils of tampons.
How did you get into comedy?
I started stand up when I was 18 years old and very green to the world of comedy. I had always loved performing and comedy, but I didn’t really have a concept of what stand up was until I was a teenager. Then I was hooked, I knew I had to do it.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
My show is called The Mermaid and it’s on every day except Mondays and Tuesdays at Cab Vol 1, Monkey Barrel, at 1pm this Fringe. It’s all about wanting to be a mermaid when I was younger and wishing I had more control over my body. It’s part folklore lecture, part nostalgic chat, and part stand up show all about why I love mermaids and what we can learn from them.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I love folklore and history and what it says about human behaviour through time. My last show was all about ghosts and haunted houses, and this one is about mermaids because I love all things a bit spooky and magical. I like to weave these elements in with jokes about the more mundane side of life, including contraception, teenage embarrassment, being a plant mum, and the perils of Scottish beaches. It’s all in there.
What do you think makes great comedy?
I think good writing can elevate anything. Even if the budget is limited, if you have a good idea and you believe in it, you can sell it to other people. Some of my favourite videos I’ve seen and made were created using no costume and a blank wall.
Any advice for those taking their first show to Edinburgh?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have the best time and the best show. Enjoy the little things and see as much as you can from comics you admire.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
I have so many. Maria Bamford and French and Saunders are absolute heroes. Friends of mine like Sooz Kempner, Sian Docksey, Poppy Hillstead, and Zara Gladman are all brilliant, creative, funny women with such a mad range of skills between them.
Keep up to date with and follow Eleanor Morton on Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon. Her book, Life Lessons From Historical Women, is also out now.
Tickets and more information for The Mermaid can be found here!
