James MacFarlane talks with Michelle Shaughnessy about her show Too Late Baby.
I’m anxious, vulnerable, hilarious and relatable!
Lovely to speak with you, Michelle. How are you?
Why thank you! Short answer: I’m fine! Long answer: I’m pretty sure me and everyone I know is just barely holding on. Like the majority of society is falling apart but we all are expected to keep on living our barely affordable lives and pretend it’s normal.
For anyone not familiar with your work, how would you describe yourself?
This is a hard question. I’m trying to find the perfect blend of how I think I’d want people to see me but it’s probably not how they actually will see me! I’m anxious, vulnerable, hilarious and relatable!
What can audiences expect from your show?
A lot of fun. I’ve been describing my show as 'a show for anyone who thinks it’s too late to achieve their dreams….because it probably is'.
I really wanted to take the negativity I’ve felt for the past few years and make it into something. I think this new show is a really honest depiction of who I am. And why I am the way I am. I’m really delving into what it’s like living when you’re in survival mode. And how that affects the choices you make in life. Thus far it’s been really relatable to audiences in previews and that’s been amazing!
You debuted at the Fringe back in 2022. What's it like coming back to Edinburgh this year?
It feels good, but definitely nerve racking. I feel more confident. Because in 2022 I had just moved to the Uk. There was so much I didn’t know and I barely knew anyone. It was pretty lonely. I also love this show. Without the stress of adapting to a new country and trying to make friends thrown in the mix I think this year will be a lot different!
You say that in 2024, you’ve gone into full survival mode. Do you have any survival tips for getting through the busy month of August?
I sure don’t! I wish I did but I still have to figure out that part myself! My solution was to be anti-social which wasn’t the healthiest, mentally. I’m determined not to do that this year. I guess my only tip would be to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. It’s a long month!
What’s the biggest difference you find between audiences in Canada and the UK?
The fact that I can travel outside of London a few hours and it feels like I’m in a different country. There’s just so many different types of people and places. I love it. I feel like I’m always learning something new with every gig I do. I’ve met some of the loveliest people as well.
You’ve been doing some tour support recently for Ed Byrne and Adam Hills. How have those experiences been?
It’s great to work with people you learn from as you watch. I loved both their shows and it was really cool to be a little part of it. I spent a lot of time on the road for Ed’s tour and it was the first time I’ve gotten to do that in the UK. I had years where I was constantly touring and travelling in Canada and I hadn’t gotten that opportunity here yet. I’m very grateful to both of them for having me on their shows.
Do you have any shows you’re excited to see yourself?
I do know I want to see Suhani Shah the famous mind reader. I love that stuff and am so curious. I haven’t much of a chance yet to dive into seeing what’s there. But I am very excited that I have a day show this year so I can actually experience the festival. Having a night show just meant I spent all day worrying! And now I only have to spend all morning worrying!
