EDINBURGH 2018: BWW Q&A- Russell Hicks

BWW catches up with Russell Hicks to chat about bringing Love Song for the Viciously Ambitious to the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Love Song for the Viciously Ambitious.

I have a habit of making my show titles esoteric platitudes that only have relevance to myself. My shows are all pretty heavily improvised. So, the title, as I have come to convince myself, is in reference to how I feel comedy is being tilted by certain types of performers.

I see a lot of acts going up to the Fringe with stars in their eyes which is fine, but they also lack passion in their heart. Their shows are rigid because they feel like they have to 'tick boxes' for reviewers or placate the elusive shadow that is the 'industry'. My show serves as a reminder to them that we do not have to be rigid. We are not beholden to any industry. Our first duty is personal catharsis. Expression! The idea being if they see my show it will remind them that there is promise in recklessness. Therefore my show is a 'Love Song to the Viciously Ambitious'.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

Anyone who finds themselves updating their socials when they don't really want to. Anyone who put something in their show because they thought it would be 'smart' for their career. Anyone who is being guided by anything other than a creative monster that runs wild inside them.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

My goal is to make everyone decide to quit their jobs.

Where else might we know you from?

Did you ever go to Robertos on Claremont Mesa Blvd in San Diego California? Usually on a weekday around 3pm?

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch in Edinburgh?

There are regulars I see every year. Phil Kay is someone I always want to check in on. He does for me what I hope to do for others.

See Russell Hicks: Love Song for the Viciously Ambitious at Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1st - 26th August. For more information visit www.edfringe.com

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