Interview with Harriet Braine
CB: How long have you been gigging in comedy?
TC: Since the glorious summer of 2012.
CB: How would you describe your comedy?
TC: Camp and grotesque musical character comedy.
CB: Which comedians influence your comedy?
TC: Andy Kauffman, League Of Gentleman, Julie Walters, Dave Chappelle.
CB: Did you always want to go into comedy?
TC: Yes, especially cabaret comedy. I wanted to merge comedy, singing, dancing, dressing up, crap wigs, impersonation and smoke machines together to create something different.
CB: How do you go about writing your material?
TC: I improvise around my set routine at my regular gigs. Its best when I’m in character feeding off an audience rather than sitting at home at the laptop.
CB: Do you gig as a stand-up full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?
TC: I gig full time and compere cabaret shows, perform office tea runs, afternoon tea parties and events. I also host a Bingo show as various characters including my take on Bowie, Bassey, Grace Jones and Cher.
CB: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the comedy circuit?
TC: I love performing and hanging out with the other performers and the level of talent out there is so high it’s very inspiring. I find the PA systems can be frustrating as they are not always set up for a musical act.
CB: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?
TC: Those who are happy to be there, tea drinkers, fans of Tina, open minded, in the party mood and who want to join in.
CB: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?
TC: I haven’t experienced lots of heckling. Tina is pretty fierce but also a vulnerable figure…sometimes I’ve had audience members shout out things about Ike!! I never mention Ike. Tina gets very angry.
CB: What advice would you give to new acts thinking of starting out in comedy?
TC: Be brave, do exactly what you want and there will be somebody who enjoys it. It may not be for everyone but that’s ok. Find what is unique about you.
Tina T’urner Tea Lady at the Edinburgh Fringe
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