Self-described neuro-spicy stand up comedian, writer and director, Ruby Carr, is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with her new show, eBae.
How did you get into comedy?
I already knew I wanted to try stand up and the first time I said I did it (when I definitely wasn’t!) was at a SpareRoom interview shortly after moving to London. The people at the flat told me I was one of 16 people they were interviewing, and I panicked and told them I did stand up to sound more interesting. It worked, I got picked! I also moved out eight months later.
Tell us about your comedy style?
High energy, whimsical, erratic.
What’s your show about and where can we see it?
In short it’s about all the weird things I’ve bought from Ebay, and I regret none of it! Essentially, it’s my pitch to be eBay’s next brand ambassador because I love it. It’s like shopping but with a winner!
Underbelly, Wee Coo at 7.20pm from 31 July to 26 August (but not the 12 August).
How does it feel to be doing this show?
I can’t work out if it is the end of an insanity, or just the beginning. I have loved making this show, but I have reached so weird corners of eBay. And now I finally get to share it with people, but now I realise I have seriously skewed my perception of “normal”.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Anything that brings me joy. In this show, that’s eBay. But most of the time it’s, if I enjoy doing it, I am going to do it again.
What else have you been working on?
I’ve been working on lots of different scripts and another show. But in particular, over the last year I have been working with scientists to turn their specialist subject into something funny. This has been a fantastic experience, I’ve learnt so many cool things, about science, tech, AI, lasers, the experimental process, and it’s all being told through comedy, my favourite thing!
What do you think makes great comedy?
Anything you are passionate about. If you care, I care. Over the last year I have been working with scientists to turn their specialist subject into comedy, and it has been so much fun, because they love what they’re talking about. I also love it when people really explore a subject, like, say for example an hour long deep dive on eBay…
What do you love about comedy?
Being a silly billy.
What advice do you have for those starting out?
It’s your time on stage. Not the audience’s, not the promoter’s, not the MC’s, yours. So do what you love and what makes you laugh. As soon as you try to be something for someone else, it’s fake and it falls flat. And you’ll hate doing it, and to stay in stand up you have to really love it, even when you bomb.
Who are your favourite funny women?
Helen Bauer, Kathryn Higgins, Olga Koch, Alice India, Emily Bampton, Sophie Duker, Dee Ellum, Su Mi, Kate Checka, Hannah Platt, Jessie Nikson, Saima Ferdows, Abby Wambaugh, Zoe Paskett, Georgia House, Maddy Bye, Pax Lowey, Chloe Petts, Rosie Jones, Mollie Goodfellow, Chelsea Birkby, Janine Haroni… I could keep going!
Ruby Carr: eBae, 31 July to 26 August (but not the 12 August), at Underbelly, George Square (The Wee Coo). Book tickets here.
Photo credit: Jack Gouldbourne
