EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Panti Bliss

BWW talks High Heels In Low Places at this years Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Panti Bliss.

Tell us a bit about High Heels In Low Places.

It's a monologue - part stand-up, part lecture, part storytelling - about sex, gender, and a changing Ireland, told from the perspective of someone who started doing drag because it was underground and transgressive and discombobulating, but then ended up becoming a National F**king Treasure and establishment figure - despite her best intentions.

What exactly was "Pantigate"?

A couple of years ago, on a Saturday night chat show on Ireland's National Broadcaster, I (allegedly!) characterised a number of well-known journalists, and a conservative Catholic organisation, as homophobes. They took exception and sued both me and the National Broadcaster for defamation. The broadcaster settled out of court which then lead to a huge national scandal about homophobia, the role of the National Broadcaster, censorship and free speech, which became known as "Pantigate". And in the middle of all that, I made a speech at the Abbey Theatre about homophobia which went viral and instigated a national soul-searching about how Ireland treats its gay citizens. Oh, and it also saved my ass.

Who would you recommend comes to see High Heels In Low Places?

People who aren't easily shocked. And people who are easily shocked - it'll be good for them. And anyone who knows a gay person. Or would like to.

How has audience response been so far?

Fantastic. The show is fun and entertaining with lots of laughs. But it slowly reveals its serious intent, so there are moments of pathos too. It's a good combination!

What's next for Panti?

More touring with my live show, but I am also currently going to a lot of international film festivals with documentary The Queen of Ireland, so I'm kept on my toes. And in between that I'm working on a new radio series with RTE in Ireland, and on a new show with my producers thisispopbaby. And of course I still have my bar in Dublin to vaguely keep me out of trouble.

Timings and ticket information for High Heels In Low Places at the Traverse theatre are available on the edfringe website.

Photo credit: Conor Horgan

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