Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Bronwyn Kuss

Can you talk about some of the creative team involved?

This show is the first time I worked with a director (Maggie Looke). Comedy can be quite solitary, so it was a bit of a game changer to have Maggie there saying things like, I don’t think people like the bit about ghosts in the shower. She was right. 

A few friends and I used to meet weekly to help each other with our shows. Two of them are performing at this year's Fringe – Lewis Garnham and Alex Hines. You should definitely check them out. If you like their shows, know I was instrumental and gave them all of their best ideas. If you like my show, just know I did it all myself. 

What are your thoughts on the festival in general and how do you feel about being a part of it this year?

It's my debut at the Fringe, so naturally, I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Winning the Pinder Prize has definitely been a game-changer, easing some of the pressure. I’m looking forward to all of it, the whole spectrum of experiences. The good and the bad. Seeing shows that are brilliant and the ones that are bonkers. The days where I feel like I should pack it all in, the other days where I think this might be something I can actually do.  

Do you tend to take inspiration from events happening in the world around you in terms of your work? Do you think artists have a responsibility to respond to what's happening?

I hope that's not my responsibility. I know nothing about anything important. That's not to say there aren't smart comedians you should listen to, but you don’t have to be smart to do stand-up comedy. You just have to show up, the bar for entry is pretty low. 

What show are you most looking forward to seeing in August, and why?

My partner and I love listening to My Therapist Ghosted Me, so when Joanne McNally announced her work-in-progress shows she bought a ticket for me. As a comedy nerd I love seeing people's processes so I'm excited to see her in a small room working on new material. 

What’s next for you and how are you feeling about the future in general?

A psychic once told me I’d get discovered overseas. Which means I’m heading to Edinburgh assuming I’ll have my own sitcom by the end of the year. That being said, I was once stopped by a drunk witch at a pub who told me I had the aura of a young mum and I have no children (that I know of). 

How can Edinburgh audiences keep up with you beyond the festival?

The usual ways, there’s not a ton of Bronwyn Kuss’s kicking about, I’m pretty easy to find on socials. You can watch the two whole clips I have on TikTok.