Kiran Saggu is heading to Edinburgh Fringe Festival with her new show, Slacks, which will be performing at the Underbelly, Bristo Square (Clover). She shares her inspiration for writing the show, why she loves comedy and gives her top tips for performing at the Fringe.
How did you get into comedy?
I always loved comedy, watching it with my family growing up turned into me writing down little jokes in my notes whenever I thought I’d come up with something silly and clever. But honestly, the real catalyst was going to a couple semi-amateur comedy clubs in London, seeing mostly cis white men performing, and thinking… I could do that.
Tell us about your comedy style?
I’d describe it as observational, story-telling and a bit surreal. Silly and boisterous, mixed with some nonchalance.
What’s your show about?
My show is about how myself and many others in this generation come to define hard work and success, especially those in the shadow of their immigrant ancestors stories, but mostly – how silly it all is. I want to work hard, but when your parents worked numerous jobs across multiple continents to survive, it’s hard to convince yourself that spending four to seven hours editing a sketch reel or doing 10 minute spots in pub basements counts as hard work.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
The foundation of my inspiration definitely comes from my background. Being American, British and South Asian and the constant cultural comparisons gives me so much to pull on. When beginning to write my show, I remember having a weird sense of guilt for dedicating so much of my time to comedy. At first I felt that my cultural inspirations isolated me from some of the comedy world, but soon I found out a lot of creatives, particularly from immigrant backgrounds, totally get it and it was worth talking about it – and that helped inspire the show.
How does it feel to be doing this show?
I feel really proud of myself, honestly! I feel like it brings light to a perspective I’ve never seen a comedian do in a show before. I also feel broke. But that’s fine because the creative fulfilment feeds me.
What do you think makes great comedy?
Good joke writing is absolutely key, but lately I find it’s extra refreshing to see any comedian simply having fun being on stage. The circuit can feel really tedious at times so I love when I see someone just being silly and joyous with the audience.
What else have you been working on?
A lot of my passions are poured into my baby, Slay24 Comedy Club – a monthly womxn, non-binary and queer-friendly comedy night that actually has modern funk and flair.
Who are your favourite funny women?
Kate Cheka! I adore her. I also love Erika Ehler and dearest Sarah Roberts is a long-time comedy partner in crime of mine.
What do you love about comedy?
I really believe that to an extent, comedy is a meritocracy. You don’t need any special equipment, background or education to do it. Any perspective holds a unique value and individuality always shines through. It’s also maybe the best feeling in the world to make others laugh and laugh with them.
Any advice for those starting out?
If you want to do standup, you’ve just got to force yourself to do it once. You might surprise yourself by falling in love with it immediately like I did. You eventually will look back on those first gigs and cringe uncontrollably, but that means you’ve got better and the work has paid off – and that’s awesome. If you need extra inspiration, go to some open mics and just watch at first, once you see the brazen confidence of some men, it all seems a little more doable.
Kiran Saggu: Slacks, 31 July-11 August and 13-26 August at 3.55pm, at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Clover). Book tickets here.
Photo credit: Ireland Wagner
