Sikisa Bostwick-Barnes’ Her Me Out will be premiering at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August. You may have seen Sikisa on the BBC or Live at The Apollo, or even received legal advice from her day job as an immigration lawyer. Isabella Thompson is delighted to speak to Sikisa about her upcoming show that focuses on her relationship with self-expression and communication.
Hi Sikisa, how is life treating you?
Right now, it’s three weeks before I go to the festival, so life is quite stressful. However, I have had one hell of a 12 months in comedy so I would say life is going well.
In your new show, Hear Me Out, you ask: “Why is it so hard to say the right thing?” As a lawyer, I imagine this question is often on your mind.
Yes, it definitely is. I do my own advocacy for my clients so have to make sure I am properly prepared in terms of what I am going to say in a hearing. If something is thrown at me, or if there is a lack of information about a situation, I won’t be able to communicate correctly. Luckily I have not embarrassed myself at a hearing so far. But there’s always time.
And as a comedian, do you worry about being seen to say the wrong thing on stage?
It’s so hard with comedy at this time because of cancel culture. People have their own individual experiences and perspectives so I really have to think about what I say in order not to offend anyone. I also worry what people will feel and think about me: a fear of judgement. I hate being reviewed even though I know ultimately that is only one person’s opinion.
A fear of judgement must be difficult to navigate in a business where social media allows everyone to be a critic and air their opinion. But forgetting them, what can we look forward to most in your new show?
Hear Me Out is a more personal show for me this year. I hope audiences leave learning more about me and about themselves. People should be looking forward to the surprise at the ending. I can't say too much but it's been a lot of hard work and I am excited to see it being paid off.
That sounds very exciting. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
Sikisa’s new stand-up show Hear Me Out will be at the Monkey Barrel 4
at 7.50pm from 2nd – 27th August (except 16th/21st). For tickets go to www.edfringe.com
