EDINBURGH 2022: Chelsea Birkby Q&A

BWW catches up with Chelsea Birkby to chat about bringing No More Mr Nice Chelsea to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about No More Mr Nice Chelsea.

It's an hour of personal, punchline-driven and playful standup on being lovely and when it's time to stop.

A lot of us who grew up trying to be "good little boys and girls" cut ourselves off from parts of us, but they don't go away. Like that bit of you that was obsessed with the Britney & Madonna VMAs kiss... And a lot of us had to pretend things were nice when they weren't. This show is about the power of embracing when things aren't so sweet. It's a comedy show for anyone who's ever been afraid of their wild side and what might happen when you hold it in...and let it out. Turns out good girls go to heaven, bad girls go to a freshers' week event called 'Big D'.

Why did you feel it was important to tell this story?

Being 'nice' comes at a cost and it's something many people, women especially, resonate with. Shame is dangerous, it separates us from others and ourselves. And it's so joyful and liberating to reconnect shadow parts of yourself, even if it can be a bumpy ride. Mine takes us through a sexy cat party, therapy and the works of Poirot.

This is your Fringe debut, do you think you know what to expect from the festival?

Yes, I think I know what to expect: lots of sleep, inner peace and a clear-headed start to the day every day, right?

Who would you like to come and see it?

People who say 'sorry' too much, those who like their comedy playful and thoughtful, sexy people, a younger me, your Dad, you specifically!

What would you like audiences to take away from the show?

Merch, my instagram handle, and that freedom is what you do with what's been done to you lol.

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