EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Bernie Keith
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Jul. 11, 2017
Tell us a bit about Life Without Sat Nav:
I've been presenting radio programmes for 30 years, too shy and nervous to step out of a studio onto a stage, so the show is about how I'm doing things now, in my 50s, that I never expected to be doing, with a life I never thought I'd have and how people of my vintage really don't understand much of what passes for the norm anymore.
There are some radio stories in there, stuff about being single at 54 (and in gay years I'm 128 so you can imagine how difficult it is!), stepping out on stage for the first time, trying to make sense of it all.
Why bring it to Edinburgh?
I've played big theatres in the area that I broadcast to, to people who largely know me, so it felt right to try and make strangers laugh. There's no event more exciting and prestigious than The Fringe to me, so it's an honour to be coming. You only have one life, so it's important not to waste it, which I porbably have been guilty of: I don't want to end up on my death bed thinking "I should have gone but didn't". Of course, with 27 shows and 10 radio programmes to do in 28 days, my death bed could be being prepared sooner than I'd intended!
What sets it apart from other shows at The Fringe?
It's my first time, which is rare for a performer in his 50s, so it's new and unchartered for me. I did think of marketing is as the 54 year old Edinburgh Virgin, but I'm not sure that's sending out the right message.
Who would you recommend comes to see you?
People who tut at young people in skinny jeans full of rips will find much to relate to in my show! People who don't understand what a guru is doing in a phone shop or why vermicelli nests are seen as essential to the Waitrose customer. Confused middle-aged folk, basically.
Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?
Larry Dean is the most exciting comic I've seen in years so I can't wait to see him.Circa's Humans looks extraordinary, and The Hot Brown Honeys will be the perfect antidote to a wet night.
Timings and ticket information for Bernie Keith: Life Without Sat Nav are available on the edfringe website.
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