Comedian Chelsea Birkby’s new show, titled Chelsea Birkby Is In Full Control The Entire Time, hits Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
“Do we make our own choices? Twice Comedian’s Choice Best Show nominee Chelsea Birkby returns with an hour about control (or the illusion of it) and how you can get it too.”
Where: Bunker Three at Pleasance Courtyard
When: 5-30 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/chelsea-birkby-is-in-full-control-the-entire-time
What can you tell us about your show?
It’s a stand-up show about control, how to get it and what happens when we grip it too tightly. Oh, and I have PowerPoint and use real audience data. I’ve also levelled up my stage presence this year by studying the greats of power and influence, but with a girlier spin – think Machiavelli’s The Prince but make it The Princess. xoxo
What is it about and where did the idea come from?
The show started the same way most comics’ hours start…seeking to recover dignity after an event in which I felt humiliated. I got pulled into a magic trick and, instead of enjoying it, I spiralled into wondering whether magic is real or free will isn’t.
I became obsessed with influence – psychology, self-help, persuasion – and applying it to my life. That kinda made things worse, so I turned it into a show about the illusion of control, and I’ve never felt more like ideas were just arriving.
How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
Do you say ‘woops’ too much? Do you regularly feel like you’re getting mugged off? Do you want to master every area of your life? Chelsea Birkby Is In Full Control The Entire Time is the comedy show for you. By studying psychology, philosophy and Reddit, I’ve got the strategies to dominate your destiny. I self-helped myself. And now, I’m self-helping you. Finally, a show that makes your decisions for you.
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe?
Edinburgh in August is the best: more hahahas per square metre than anywhere else in the world. As a fan of comedy, creativity and fun, I love being part of it. As an indie comic, the challenge is focusing on that joy and not the fact I’m further from ever
owning a home.
And do you have any moments you particularly remember?
In 2017, I went up just to watch shows and drink beer (the most honest way to enjoy the fringe). I saw Rob Kemp’s The Elvis Dead: “an audio/visual mash-up concert show, telling the story of Evil Dead 2 through the classic songs of Elvis Presley” after it came up on Nearby Now. It sounded incredible, and it was. Watching from afar, I heard that it was a hit!
I love that about the Fringe – something that seems so niche it might concern family members who think “are you sure you don’t just wanna go on holiday?”, finds its people. It takes off because it’s so fun and electric and so clearly made with love. What a gift! I think that’s what the Fringe is for.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
Do you mean like what shows? I can’t wait to see Tasmin Sarkany’s debut Now That’s What I Call Bach! Amelia Crotchet, a classical musician in a double act with her violin. Because, of course!
Or do you mean what moments? If so, I like cutting down my big street poster at the end of the run. It feels illegal, but isn’t…I don’t think.
What’s next for the show and you?
I love the variety of stand-up, so after the fringe, I’m looking forward to getting back on the circuit- more club gigs, tour support and writing. It means you get to see a lot of the UK, places like Middlesbrough and Ashby-de-la-Zouch. And in September, I’m off to the Isles of Scilly! So many people wouldn’t think of going to their local comedy club, scared of the word ‘local’, but people come from all over.