Be Your Own Daddy is the story of how Canadian comic Michelle spent her whole life waiting for someone to fix her. The show covers all elements of her life-the good, the bad, and the even worse. Now sober and married, Michelle has relocated to the UK all by herself to forge her own career success and debut at the Edinburgh Fringe…
Funny Women: Tell us about your show.
Michelle Shaughnessy: My show is definitely a bit of a different show from what it was before I moved to the UK in March. The core is still the same, in that I wanted to make a life for myself on my own. I wanted financial independence. I wanted a better career than I could get in Canada and I wanted all my years of hard work to be put to use.
I kind of always looked for the easy way out in life. Whether that be in past jobs, in relationships or even financially. I kept waiting for one thing to save me; a man, a big break, a winning lottery ticket. I wasn’t ready to admit that I needed to do that myself.
When I realized that, I knew it was time to venture out of my home country and try to do it on my own. I came here with more confidence than I have now. The comedy thus far has been amazing but everything else about getting settled in London has not been! It’s a very hard place to get grounded. Even simple things like getting a cell phone plan and opening a bank account involve many hoops to jump through! Why? I have no idea. But all those little obstacles have definitely been added into the mood I’m bringing to the show.
FW: I think a lot of UK comics will be concerned to know if leaving your spouse behind in Canada for the London comedy scene has been worth it so far?
MS: HA! Comics concerned? Or comics looking for gossip? My husband works in television so we are used to time apart. When he’s directing a show he’s often gone for months at a time so being away from each other is nothing new to us. The time difference is new and is taking some adjusting. As for if it’s worth it… he’s very supportive and wants me to do this. It keeps me motivated because I think if things work out well enough I can convince him to move here full time too. Fingers crossed!
FW: Are you excited to debut at Edinburgh Fringe?
MS: I am so excited for the Edinburgh Fringe. I am also so nervous, so anxious and so scared. Most of all I’m worried about failing and having to return home with nothing to show. I keep hearing I should prepare to have the best and worst time of my life! Which is something I excel at. Almost every day I’m alive I have moments where I think it’s the worst day ever and moments where I think it’s the best day ever. Can you tell I’m a bit of an internal drama queen?
FW: Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
MS: I think maybe you should ask me this next year! The only advice I can give with 100% certainty is book your accommodation early! Because I booked mine last year and I know many comics are still scrambling to find theirs. I am obsessed with having a plan. Which served me well in this instance. I like to book everything insanely early. Travel, accommodations, outfits etc. It’s probably the most annoying and best thing about me. So I guess in short, my advice is to be prepared for the logistics of the Fringe because that’s important.
FW: Who are the funny women are you hoping to see in Edinburgh this year?
MS: It feels like every other day I meet a hilarious female here. I will see as many as time allows. I do get excited when I’m on a lineup with Tiff Stevenson or Thanyia Moore so I absolutely would love to see each of their shows! Also, I’ve worked with Helen Bauer once and not only was she hilarious but her energy was just…..wow. I loved every minute of our short meeting. So I will for sure be checking her show out.
Michelle Shaughnessy’s debut stand-up show Be Your Own Daddy will be at the Underbelly Bristo Square Jersey Room for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
