Close your eyes and picture Edinburgh. What do you see?
I picture dusk, crepes, and sunrise. My first solo show starts at 7:40pm and the late night show I host, Spank!, keeps me out till about 5am every night. I spend the entire month on third shift.
The Fringe is a festival done completely in the dark for me.
What is the last thing that made you snort with laughter?
This tweet I’m trying to read in this video
I sent it around to all my friends and family at the time. No one thought it was nearly as funny as I did.
Tell us about this year’s show.
My show is called Namaste, Bitches and it’s about being a yoga instructor who loves musicals and drugs. So basically it’s about the things I love and my unhealthy relationship with all three.
Who do you want to see this year?
Tomás Ford, 5pm at the Gilded Balloon. He’s an Australian cabaret act that’s weird, high energy and sweaty. He’s my hero. I want to be like him…except…not Australian.
Do you have any Edinburgh Fringe traditions?
Steaks at The Abattoir Restaurant with my buddy and fellow comedian, James Loveridge. Also dancing ’til the wee hours of the morning on Thursdays at the Doddy & Rave in Underbelly.
It’s a big dance party and a great way to blow off steam. Sometimes they even have face painting!!!
What is your getting ready music?
Slow Ride by Foghat is my go-to. It has a driving beat but the lyrics remind you to pace your self, “take it easy”. It’s the best song to play before a show, as the gun goes off at the start of a marathon, or even for morning sun salutations. It. Is. The. TITS!
If you could have any guest in your show, who would it be?
Barbra Streisand. I used to have the VHS of Hello Dolly! the musical and she is amazing in that film. I watched it at least once a week as a kid and I want to thank her for making such a great film and being such a fierce woman.
What is the best backhanded compliment you have had?
Person: I really liked your show.
Me: Thank you!
Person: No, I mean I really, REALLY liked it. You’re, like, funny.
Me: Yeah, that’s what I aim for.
Person: I just can’t believe I laughed so much. You’re good!
Me:…you know this is my job, right?
Who made you howl with laughter when you were a child?
My dad. He used to tell me a story about having a pet catfish and would pretend to be the catfish.
Another time we made up our own Olympic diving team, just the two of us, and invented our own tricks. The big closer was when you bent over, touched your toes, and fell sideways in the water. It was called “Pocket Knife”.
What should Donald Trump know?
Given that it looks like he doesn’t have a clue, I just wish he knew something. ANYTHING!!!
We could start with the little fact that he’s in way over his head, doesn’t have the best interests of the American people at all, and should resign. I wish he knew that.
What do you do in Edinburgh that your parents wouldn´t approve of?
My mom’s going to be up for the first half of the Fringe this year so not much. I’m lucky to have parents that have always been supportive of my creative endeavors, tolerant of my weirdness, and understand I’m an adult who can make her own decisions. I’m happy I have that.
Catch Abigoliah Schamaun: Namaste, Bitches at 9.40pm at Underbelly throughout August
Punchline 