In 2024, Alex Franklin feels the most alive she’s ever felt. Now she wants to make you feel alive, or die trying. An absurdist, musical, chaotic, joyful show about the colours of the world becoming slowly brighter. Also being trans.
How did you get into comedy?
Okay so weird start but it was probably because I used to go to this Christian camp every summer as a teenager, and they had a sort of ‘end of camp show’ that generally people were encouraged to take part and make comedy sketches. I think I got really annoyed by the quality of material our year group was putting out, so I just ended up taking matters into my own hands, then one thing led to another and here I am.
Tell us about your comedy style?
Kind of everything?? I bounce around WAY too much between musical segments, character stuff, stand-up, visual bits, dance, and way too many drawings and diagrams. Critics would argue I spread myself too thin. I think I would agree.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
It’s called Alex Franklin: Gurl Code, and it’s a show about trans joy, and coming out to my Dad (eek)!
It’s on as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe, and for the whole run at Edinburgh Fringe!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I spent way too much time online as a child and I think it irreversibly altered my brain, so probably just the never ending stream of reality-detached YouTube content that caused that damage (it is now my crutch).
What do you think makes great comedy?
Trying to think of the strangest thing possible, and working backwards to make it actually palatable. And adding jokes I guess if you HAVE to.
Any advice for those starting out?
Try and push yourself, because if you always settle for doing ‘okay’ it’ll take a lot longer to improve. Unless you’re not that fussed about getting better at comedy, which is probably fair and arguably the most rational thing to do.
What else have you been working on?
Not related to anything in comedy but I’ve started running these big games of Survivor that are AMAZING and SUPER INTENSE and after the last one someone described it as ‘one of the best days of their life’ – I’m not sure how useful it is to be spending as much time in running these as I am, but I’ve come to accept it as a part of my life.
Who are your favourite Funny Women?
Jen Ives, Dee Allum, Holly Spillar, Rosalie Minnitt, Elaine Fellows, Kiran Saggu, Selena Mersey, Nikola McMurtrie, Su Mi, Maria Telnikoff, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, Fellany LeGeyser, Mary O’Connell, Lil Wenker, Rachel Baker, Rebecca Harrison, Aisha Amanduri, Yuriko Kotani, Abbie Edwards, Sharon Wanjohi, Marty Gleeson, Alex Beighton, Kathy Maniura, Ruby Carr, Lorna Rose Treen, plus many more. Sorry if I’ve forgotten you but I’m late to catch my bus and must stop the list here!
How does it feel to be doing this show?
Honestly heartwarming – I like to think it makes trans and non-binary people feel a little more represented and seen, and that’s what probably makes me most happy about doing it!
What do you love about comedy?
That I’ve finally been able to monetise that fact that I’m slightly unhinged.
Book tickets for Alex Franklin: Gurl Code (work in progress), at Wandsworth Arts Fringe, 3.00pm Sunday 23rd June here. and catch the show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Underbelly Cowgate 8.25pm, details here.