It turns out that being in your thirties is very different to being in your twenties, and comedian Sasha Ellen is going to let everyone know. From being labelled a MILF (even without kids!), to awkward doctor advice and confused advertising algorithms, she shares it all.
Tell us about your show?
I’m doing two shows at the Fringe this year, a solo stand-up show called My MILFshake Brings all the Boys to the Yard, (MILFshake) and a comedy game show called Character Building Experience.
MILFshake is a stand-up show about all the stuff that hits you like a ton of bricks in your thirties, once you get your first MILFing. It’s all about how your relationship to everything changes once that first dude calls you a MILF.
Character Building Experience is a joyful, quirky show that’s a little like Dungeons and Dragons, but a super simple version played for laughs. It’s pretty much comedians playing silly characters going on an adventure, occasionally making some questionable choices. Well, let’s be honest, constantly making questionable choices.
Tell us more about things that hit you in your thirties.
I guess everything does: morbidity, mortality, virility. Apart from all the MILFing, which you apparently don’t need a child for(!), everyone seems to see you differently. Doctors start telling you what you need to do to live longer, and you didn’t know you were coming so close to being ‘done’. The algorithm stops knowing what to sell you because what could you possibly need this close to death? Fat-free ice cream or divorce?
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
It’s always great to come back to the Fringe. I’ve spent many a summer in Scotland now. Edinburgh is a really beautiful city and I try to remember that and do some touristy stuff while I’m there. It’s also great to catch up with people you might not run into all year, because the festival really does bring performers together. It’s like being at a comedian summer camp and I love it for that.
Have you got any tips for comedians going up to the festival for the first time?
If you’re doing a full Fringe run, pace yourself. It’s a long month and the FOMO is real.
Occasionally try to eat something green and go to sleep while it’s still dark. Everyone burns out in week three – it’s very common and it’s not a big deal.
Who are the funny women you would recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Harriet Kemsley, Yuriko Kotani, Spring Day, Adele Cliff, among many others!
Sasha Ellen: My MILFshake Brings all the Boys to the Yard, 1-11 and 13-25 August, 6.30pm at Just the Tonic at Cabaret Voltaire (Just the Common Room). Book tickets here.
Sasha Ellen: Character Building Experience, 31st July to 25th August (not the 12th or 19th August) at 8.00pm Bedlam Theatre. Book tickets here.
