Robyn Perkins has been performing stand-up for almost three years. She is renowned for her friendly, chatty style and delivering an honest and entertaining depiction of her life through her comedy. Martin Walker asks Robyn about her Edinburgh Fringe show.
I started stand-up because ‘it looked fun’. Over the past few years I have started to realise how complex and unique of an art form it is. It is not just great jokes, but it is the connection to the audience and your performance that are key.
“Over It – Death, Anorexia & Other Funny Things is a show that explores taboo subjects, namely bereavement and anorexia. It uses comedy to discuss harder hitting issues, using laughter as a way to get people thinking.
“My half is a story about bereavement, and dealing with the unexpected, ridiculous aspects of the death of my partner. It is not a story about him, but a story about my journey through bereavement.
“The show balances serious discussions with humorous perspectives, walking you through life experience, crisps and lingerie.”
Why did you choose to perform as part of Laughing Horse?
“We are quite passionate about the topics we discuss and as such, do not want to exclude anyone from being able to see the show. The Free Fringe is a perfect way to assure the performance is available to everyone.”
Why did you get into performing comedy and how did you get started?
“I started stand-up because ‘it looked fun’. Over the past few years I have started to realise how complex and unique of an art form it is. It is not just great jokes, but it is the connection to the audience and your performance that are key.
“Louis CK has been a great inspiration in my stand-up career thus far. He gives a great speech at George Carlin’s memorial about how comedy has the ability to delve into the deepest moments of life. I am also lucky to work with Dave as he has the ability to succeed in any room, regardless of size and mood. My performance is stronger just from working with him.
Tell us your best, worst experiences as a comedian.
“For me, this show has been the best experience. I know that is cheating a bit, but watching the show develop - especially Dave’s half - has been amazing. It is incredible to see how many people connect, learn, laugh and are inspired by his experiences.”
“As for the worst... pick any number of deaths. But the worst are when you really care about the performance and just don’t deliver. The frustrating ones are the minor changes that could have made the performance so much different – that you just didn’t know at the time.”
If you were curating a stand up show for television, who would be your guests?
“Robin Ince, Tony Law and Dave Chawner, though I think the room may explode with energy.”
Broadway Baby Listing and Edinburgh Fringe Box Office: http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/over-it-death-anorexia/36847
Website: http://www.robynperkins.com/http://www.overitcomedy.com/
Twitter: @robynhperkins @OverItComedy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robynHperkins
YouTube Clip: https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=QzqOkN1DyGM
