Close your eyes and picture Edinburgh. What do you see?
Well before I see anything, I can smell the hops, that lovely biscuity marmitey scent that infiltrates when you step on the train, oh if Chanel bottled that, I’d wear it. The things I see are endless drama students and my flyer in a muddy wet gutter, which I’m sure are both spectacularly good portents, right?
What is the last thing that made you snort with laughter?
I was listening to John Robins and Elis James’ podcast on the tube, and John described how he fell off the stage at a recording of Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown, and I snorted enough to make a carriage turn around. Nothing is funnier than someone falling over. Nothing. If I fall over on my way to the stage in my show, I will pick myself up, get to the mic, and say “Thanks you very much, goodnight”, as nothing I could say would be funnier than that.
Tell us about this year’s show.
My new show is called Fortitude, and it is about turning 40 as someone who has forgotten to do all the things a 40 year old is supposed to do. Oh and it’s also about cold war era nuclear bunkers.
Who do you want to see this year?
I have bought so many tickets already. The two shows I am most excited about are Tom Neenan’s show, because he never fails to delight, and Lou Conran’s show, because she is tackling a difficult topic, but if anyone can do it with warmth, and make it bloody funny, it’s Lou
Do you have any Edinburgh Fringe traditions?
I like to swim every day if I can in the Commonwealth pool, it’s a bit of zen time, away from the madness, it’s healthy to spend some time among Edinburgh families just going about their routine. Also, hanging out in Mum’s restaurant for haggis with Matt Richardson, that’s my happy Edinburgh place
What is your getting ready music?
I have 2 tunes that I play when I need to get myself in the zone, one is Entertaining Miss Steinway y Philip Jeays, that song is pure joy to my ears, and however I feel, it lifts me up, and then, before I go on, I will listen to You Shook Me All Night Long by ACDC, it’s my “Let’s Do This” song and it’s mine and my boyfriend’s song, so it’s like he’s there going “go on girl”
If you could have any guest in your show, who would it be?
Oh my, that is so hard, but I think it would be Amy Poehler. I am such a fan, and we have a similar sleep disorder, which means we would definitely be besties right?
What is the best backhanded compliment you have had?
From a punter at Nottingham Glee Club about three years ago “when you walked on, I thought ‘Oh Christ, not another fat bird who thinks she’s funny’, but you actually are”. I deserve an award for not punching him.
Who made you howl with laughter when you were a child?
Kenny Everett. I used to watch the Kenny Everett Television Programme with my family when I was far too young to get a fraction of the jokes, but I loved him, the bright colours, the frenetic pace and his brilliant voice
What should Donald Trump know?
That women are people
What do you do in Edinburgh that your parents wouldn´t approve of?
I mean, my Dad was a naturist atheist who ran a sex shop for a living, he would not approve of just how bloody boring I am in Edinburgh
Catch Angela Barnes: Fortitude at 7.15pm at the Pleasance Courtyard throughout August
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