Canadian comedian Kate Barron made a splash when she burst onto the London comedy scene in 2019, but when the stages closed in 2020, Kate found herself living alone in London, 4706 miles
away from any friends and family. She decided to make a drastic change to her body, without telling a soul. What’s emerged is a new Kate Barron, or rather the same one, but over 13 stone lighter. We talked to Kate about how she’s not lost that large personality…
Funny Women: Tell us about your show.
Kate Barron: Losing Myself, is my debut hour. I moved to the UK in 2019 hoping to be part of the best comedy circuit in the world, and date the most emotionally repressed men in the world. I explain how I was a fat awkward kid from Canada, from a loud, chaotic family with an unhealthy obsession with romance and the idea of happily ever after.
Always the last one to leave the party, the first one to finish my wine, and the brunch guest with the best bad date stories, I was the hot-mess friend who was always up for a good time.
When the stages closed in 2020, I found myself living alone in London, 4706 miles away from any friends and family. The solitude forced me to look inward and make a decision about the direction I was headed. From death and dating to family, fear, and weight loss, Losing Myself is my honest hour of tales with just the right amount of filth.
FW: You’ve been through quite a physical transformation losing 13 stone, has this had any effect on your comedy persona or physicality on stage, or can we still expect your fantastic larger-than-life style?
KB: For better or worse, my larger-than-life presence on stage is something that is never leaving me. The work I’ve done on myself both physically and mentally has helped me feel even more comfortable and confident on stage. I’m speaking about topics that I never would have before and like most comics, my content and style are evolving and maturing with me.
FW: Are you excited to debut at Edinburgh Fringe?
KB: I am absolutely thrilled to debut at Edinburgh Fringe this year. I moved to the UK over three years ago, because of all of the incredible opportunities over here and Fringe was one of them. I thought I had my debut show ready in 2020, but I’m far more excited to take up my new show, Losing Myself this year. I’ve worked hard to make my show as authentic as I can, and while this on-stage vulnerability makes me slightly anxious, I’m really proud of the show I’ve put together with the help of my amazing director, Gina Lyons.
FW: Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
KB: This year is my first time going up to the festival, so I’ll happily take any and all tips myself. I do however have some advice that has been given to me which I’m happy to share; take up a show you love performing, don’t let the reviews (good or bad) get into your head, and take care of your health (mental and physical) while at the festival, because it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
FW: Who are the funny women are you hoping to see in Edinburgh this year?
KB: There are so many fantastic funny women heading to the festival. Firstly, my fellow Canadians, Aliya Kanani, Erika Ehler, and Michelle Shaughnessy. Additionally, some of my London favourites, are Thanyia Moore, Njambi McGrath, Esther Manito, Lily Philips, and Mickey Overman. The list could go on and on. There is no shortage of funny women in the comedy scene, and I’m proud to be a part of it and the first all-female Fringe venue – The Tron.
Kate Barron’s debut stand up show Losing Myself is at the Just The Tonic – The Tron at 9pm from 4th – 28th August for tickets to go www.edfringe.com