EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Jack Barry

Tell us a bit about High Treason.

High Treason is all about the legalisation of drugs, not just the ones that people try when they're at university, all of them. Our drug laws and policy for dealing with drugs has completely failed, so we need to address new ways of dealing with them. In light of all that, I gave it a very serious-sounding name, because it is a serious topic. But, it's also a pun, so you know you'll have a good time. It's certainly not an easy topic to make funny, as I have found with a lot of trial and error over the past year, but it turns out it can be done!

Why are you classed as an oppressed minority?

As a drug user I am, of course, an oppressed minority in this country. For decades humble stoners like myself have been hounded, imprisoned and demonised by the government and I think it's time to change. In an age of growing tolerance towards people from all walks of life (which is obviously fantastic), why are the druggies being overlooked? It's time for us to break free from our shackles and spread awareness that drug users can be functioning members of society, we just desire acceptance.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh's full of left-leaning hippies, so it seems like the perfect crowd. Plus I think there's marginally more chance of people listening to me if I take it up there, otherwise I'd just be wandering around the park by my house shouting it at passersby.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

This is a topic that no one has really gone into in much depth in the past, which is why I felt like it was something that needed saying. Plus, I've been told by other comedians/journalists/friends/lovers/family that I have a unique comedic voice, so I feel I have something new to bring to these arguments. Plus, as a hobbyist drug user I have plenty of "hands on" research, so I know what I'm talking about.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Literally anyone. I know the show content will largely appeal to a very select demographic (pot-smoking hippies, like myself), but this show certainly isn't about preaching to the converted. The way we tackle drugs has huge implications for society as a whole and many things could be improved if we changed our way of dealing with them. It's a subject that most people don't give a lot of thought to but when they do they realise that our current way of thinking about drugs doesn't really make much sense. Watching this show should help people think about these issues differently in, and I really can't stress this enough, a funny way. So far I've previewed the show to audiences aged between 16 and 70, on all parts of the political spectrum and they've all got something out of it. If nothing else it'll certainly give you plenty to talk about for a few hours afterwards.

Timings and ticket information for Jack Barry: High Treason can be found on the edfringe website.

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