A rambunctious dissection of the different names we call ourselves throughout life. From growing up on a goat farm in the middle of nowhere to using a fake name in school, to claiming a mostly real one later on – each time period comes with unique medical complaints, societal gripes, and impressively-flexible physical comedy. Meet the wildly different versions of Kate Hammer, or as her friends call it, a regular day.
Tell us about your show.
I found out that your name directly affects your personality and it completely wrecked me. So if your name is Dan, over time you make small choices that make you more Dan-like and that’s kind of why all Dan’s are similar. My show is an exploration of the names we are given and the names we choose and how that changes who we are.
More specifically, how when I was called Kathryn I was a fair lady, and when I became Kate I became an absolute menace. I also briefly called myself Jade for some light identity theft, but let’s leave that for the show.
It’s an hour that welcomes chaos and anarchy of improv, while having an ADHD-friendly guide to the hour that’s split into five sections. I love numbered lists and it shows.
Since this show is about growing up, is it quite serious?
There is rarely a serious thing that happens to me that I don’t consider even a little bit funny. Using comedy as a coping mechanism you say? No. Comedy uses me. I am a vessel reporting for punchline duty.
There is no sad part to the show, other than watching a 30-something Canadian woman sweat on stage in a shirt where you can always see the sweat marks (I love learning, just not when it comes to how much I sweat).
How does it feel to be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
It feels like one step closer to God. I’ve only done week-long runs at the Fringe (and this year is no different) but I’m performing at The Stand which I’m ecstatic about. I love being a part of the festival and getting so inspired by performers who are pushing the limits of silliness in stand-up comedy. And you know what they say, silliness is next to godliness. I grew up Lutheran, I swear this is what they teach us. Amen.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
The Fringe is a beautiful lesson in embracing rejection. Someone says no to your harmless flyer for your wonderful show? That’s gorgeous. It’s character building and you are better for it. Only two people came to see your show? That’s two new best friends you didn’t have before. Wonderful. Trust that you are getting better at all aspects of performance. Even if you aren’t, you must believe it. Also, big secret tip, come see my show!
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
As everyone states, the list is too long so I will limit myself to five: Kathleen Hughes, Ruth Hunter, Material Girl (this is a trick as there are multiple funny women in this show), Krystal Evans, and Josie Long, who is just the best. Just make sure to see some comedians you haven’t heard of yet, so you can say you saw them before they had five podcasts and two autobiographies. Amen.
Kate Hammer: Double Virgin on the Rocks (With a Twist) takes place at The Stand 5 (Venue 319) 17:40 from 18th to 25th August. Book tickets here.
