EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Hanna Stanbridge

Tell us a bit about I Hate Myself So People Will Like Me.

"A show for anyone who ever worried they weren't normal. Hanna Stanbridge is perfect. Now she'll teach you how to be perfect too! No matter what."

I Hate Myself So People Will Like Me (and Other Strategies for Success) is a one woman comedy show. Hanna plays a version of herself as a terrible motivational speaker. While dealing with autobiographical experiences of anorexia and depression the show is a unique, surprising, laugh out loud character comedy

I Hate Myself directly follows Hanna completing two years as series regular in BBC's continuing drama River City. She is an award winning actress - BAFTA New Talent Award and Edinburgh International Film Festival Trailblazer Award.

Hanna has also suffered from depression and anorexia since 2009. At one stage reaching a body weight of 5 stone, she was at risk of heart failure, surviving on a handful of dry cornflakes a day.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

I hope to raise awareness about Mental Health, in particular Anorexia. I think there's still a lot of stigma around mental health in Britain, I want to help change that. Hopefully comedy can makes mental health something that's easier to talk about. Edinburgh is the perfect setting as firstly the audiences at the Edinburgh Festival are the best; they are fun, comedy savvy, up for anything and secondly it is my hometown; this story is something very personal to me and it means the world to be able to perform it where I grew up.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

There are a few shows that are dealing with the issues of Mental Health but I can only tell my story. I can promise that the show is honest and at times sad but mostly fun.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Anyone and everyone! The central theme is my battle with Anorexia but you don't have to feel like eating disorders directly affect you to come along. The shows comedy element makes it more accessible and I truly believe it is something we should all be able to talk about freely.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?

A more open attitude towards Mental Health and a feeling of being uplifted - it isn't all doom and gloom.

Timings and ticket information for I Hate Myself So Other People Will Like Me are available on the edfringe website.

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