Eleanor Morton is a stand-up, writer and actor from Edinburgh. She performs all over the UK, has been heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland and is also well known for her online sketch characters. She returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a new show this summer and her first book Life Lessons from Historical Women will be released in August 2024.
Tell us about your show.
My show is called Haunted House and it’s all about ghosts (real and imagined) and what haunts us. I’ve never seen a ghost but I’ve always wanted to. Even though I’m not sure I believe in them… It’s also about hometowns and relationships and how those things change. But mostly, it’s about ghosts. It should be good spooky, funny fun – I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.
What can we expect from the show in terms of ‘vibes’?
The vibes are: Victorian melodrama, the Usborne Book of Ghosts, candles, creepy seaside dioramas, spooky stories, Georgian pamphlets, hometown blues, Catholic kitsch, things that lurk in the shadows…
How does it feel to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I live in Edinburgh so it’s more like the Fringe is returning to me. Every year around June and July, there are loads more roadworks so the council has Edinburgh looking as nice as possible for August. Student unions become exclusive comedian’s clubs. Public spaces you used to be able to stand in are suddenly overpriced waffle stands. On your way to the dentists you have to pass several massive pictures of your peers’ faces. It’s a weird way to live.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
Drink lots of water, take at least one day off a week, expect to have at least one breakdown, don’t promise to go to anyone’s shows, be nice and respectful to the locals, don’t touch Bobby’s nose and don’t accidentally say you’re in England.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
Amy Matthews, Sooz Kempner, Marjolein Robertson, Alison Spittle, Krystal Evans, Laura Davis, Sikisa…honestly anyone at Monkey Barrel. Also I hate this question because I can’t list everyone, and now I’m having an anxiety attack about it…
Eleanor Morton: Haunted House takes place at 12:05pm, Monkey Barrel 2, 31st July-25th August (no shows Monday/Tuesday). Book tickets here.
