This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I speak to Kathy Maniura about the show Objectified.

Shows: Kathy Maniura: Objectified
Location: The Actors – Theatre
Date: 25th and 26th May
Time: 15:30
Ticket Price: £8.50 Concession £7
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/kathy-maniura-objectified/

Hello! Tell us about your act ? 

Objectified is an absurd character comedy show where I bring to life a variety of everyday objects. If they were people, who would they be? You’ll meet an annoying paper straw, a desperate electric scooter and weird, sexy little Airpod among others. 

How did you come up with the name of your show that you are taking to the Brighton fringe?

Once I knew all the characters would be objects I just brainstormed a bunch of words that have ‘object’ in. I like ‘Objectified’ because people might expect it to be something kind of heavy and political, when actually it’s just me pretending to be objects.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

It’s an absurd character comedy – silly and good-natured. It’s always hard to describe your own stuff, so here’s what a few reviewers have said: 

Goofy character comedy at its most joyful… the perfect showcase of Kathy’s seemingly endless array of characters and spot-on accents – LMAOnaise 

An equisitely realised, undertated delight… goofily daft and expressive – The Scotsman 

Charming debut hour – The Guardian 

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

Oddly relatable observations about objects in the world around them, unexpectedly good accents (I’m as surprised as you are), gentle audience interaction (don’t panic I’m nice I promise) and a bit of soul searching about why the hell I pretend to be objects at all… 

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

I can’t wait to see all the other shows that are part of the Queer Weekender at the Actors: James Barr, Jen Ives, Jane Postlethwaite and Selena Mersey. My comedy partner Derek Mitchell is also doing his wild and hilarious shows. 

How are the rehearsals going?

Good! I’ve done the show a lot at this point – I took it up to the Edinburgh Fringe last year and have performed it at the Leicester and Glasgow comedy festivals this year. It’s been nominated for 3 awards in the past year which is lovely. Edinburgh is the ultimate rehearsal process, so the show is ready to go now, it’s so fun to whack it out again.

Have you done the fringe before? What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

Yes! I did the Brighton Fringe for the first time as part of duo Horseplay with Derek Mitchell in 2022 and then did a work in progress show of Objectified in 2023 – it’s great to be bringing back the final show. I love the Brighton Fringe – I have particularly fond memories of a chaotic Cabaret Impedimenta last year where Siblings dressed as Victorian ghosts were stealing any vapes they could in the audience. 

What advice would you give to others who want to perform at Brighton Fringe next year?

Go for it! The audiences in Brighton are so friendly and up for a laugh – it’s an especially good play to try queer, alternative stuff that might be out of place in traditional comedy clubs.

What is the best thing about performing at the Brighton fringe?

The audiences! Especially in queer venues like The Actors – my stuff has a really queer sensibility and everyone is so friendly. There’s also a real sense of community among the performers. And it helps that you can go for a dunk in the sea in an emergency. 

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

The people, the sea, the vintage shops! 

Leafleting and promotion through the streets of Brighton is a huge part of the festival – what are your tips for flyering?

Develop a good one line intro that’s intriguing and a question – mine is ‘would you like to watch me pretend to be objects?’. People inevitably ask a follow up question, and once you get into a conversation it’s golden. Also don’t ask people to commit there and then – give them the info they need, be friendly and leave the flyer with them to make a decision, you don’t want to be too pushy. Flyering is exhausting! Take breaks and have little treats to keep your energy up. 

Tell us about your average day on a festival show run?

I try and have a nice chill morning to make sure I’m in a good headspace – maybe I’ll rehearse a couple of bits if I’ve made any changes to the show or want to try things out. Then I’ll head into town near the venue in good time, do an hour of flyering and make sure I allow myself a good hour/half hour to rest pre-show. I always have a snack before the show, and get to the venue early to set up and get in the zone. After the show I like to hang out with any friends who might have been in the audience and check out other shows at the festival. 

Performing by the sea as well, that surely makes the fringe all that much more fun?

Yes! I love outdoor swimming so I can’t resist a daily dip. There’s nothing more refreshing. Makes me feel like I’m on holiday. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Anyone who is up for a good time and willing to get on board with goofiness. Always appreciate a loud laugher of course. My best audience members sometimes surprise me though – I’ve had 12 year olds with their mums and middle aged men who’ve got really into it. Getting to know each different audience is part of the joy of doing the show in new places. 

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

@kathykathymm 

And Finally finish this sentence – ‘you should see our show at Brighton Fringe because…. 

It’s a silly, playful hour that might leave you looking at the objects around you a little differently.