EDINBURGH 2022: Melissa Stephens Q&A

BWW catches up with Melissa Stephens to chat about bringing Hot Dogs and Tears to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about HOT DOGS & TEARS.

It's my first hour of comedy that deals with my life growing up in the south, my family and my bizarre experiences and perceptions. The finished show is like that moment after someone trips and falls and makes eye contact with you because you both saw it happen. It's hilarious and unsettling.

Why did you want to tell this story?

Initially it just made sense to start putting an hour together using the stories that always got the best reaction from my stand up. I remember the idea of the ending just came to me and it was from there I started writing it. It is hard to explain why because I think I would have chosen to do my second show (which I'm writing now) first but sometimes you have to get the first emotional family story done first before you move on.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Anyone who has been stupid or done something embarrassing. Which is everyone, don't lie.

Do you think you know what to expect from the Fringe?

I expect to be hustling to get an audience, having some shows with small audiences and maybe crying in the street at some point. It's pretty intense when people talk about it.

Are there any other shows you're looking forward to seeing?

The Idiot Circus, Lottie Platchett took a Hatchet, and Tom Detrinis: I Hate New York. I'm excited about seeing all of the shows.

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Photo credit: Dean Chekvala

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