Q&A: EDINBURGH 2024: Sarah Hester Ross on SARAH HESTER ROSS IS WHAT?

BWW caught up with Sarah Hester Ross about bringing Sarah Hester Ross is What? to the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How did you first get involved in the worlds of music and comedy?

I was born into music. I’ve been performing on stage since I was three years old. Comedy came later after I found I had a knack for it while performing in duelling piano shows. Once I had that revelation, I had no choice but to combine the two.

Can you tell us a bit about your show, Sarah Hester Ross is What??

It’s a comical musical explanation of who I am as an artist and how I got here. 

What inspired you to create Sarah Hester Ross is What??

Well, it’s my story and it’s easy to tell. Not easy to sing.

What was the creative process like for Sarah Hester Ross is What??

It is a bit of a spin-off of my new comedy special “Don’t Mess With A Redhead” on Apple TV and Amazon Prime which is more of a “stand-up comedy” vibe. With Fringe being the special place that it is, I get to be a little more theatrical. More like myself.

What is it like bringing Sarah Hester Ross is What? up for your Edinburgh Fringe debut?

It’s hard and expensive. I'm producing this project myself so it’s a little stressful to think about the details BUT it has been a goal of mine for a long time and I’m glad I finally have the means to make it reality. I’ve put all my eggs in my own basket and am swinging it in circles hoping they don’t fall out on my face. It’s a risk I am willing to take. 

How do you balance performing for social media like TikTok versus live audiences?

They go hand-in-hand for me. I use TikTok to try and cultivate a community that would come see me live. I get to be a little less serious online which is nice. More freedom to try new things, whereas my stage shows have been created to be more structured and planned. That way I can be the “over the top” and  “too much” performer I really am.

What do you hope audiences take away from Sarah Hester Ross is What??

A love for me and my music.

How would you describe Sarah Hester Ross is What? in one word?

C***y.

Sarah Hester Ross is What? runs from 2 to 18 August (no performances on 5, 6, 8, 12, 13 or 15 August) at Just the Tonic Nucleus - Just the Tonic’s Atomic Room at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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