This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I speak to the show Unreliable / Unrelabelable.

Unreliable / Unrelabelable

Location: The Caxton Arms
Date: June 4th 5th
Time: 12:30pm / 3pm
Ticket Price: Free
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/whats-on/unreliable-unrelabelable-161709/

Hello! Tell us about your act ? 

JL: Hello! We are two stand up comedians splitting an hour because we thought why not put two comedians who are completely different from each other into the same show?!

VB: Despite my attitude to Jen on stage, I love their silliness and clowning. My humour is much drier and takes a bit of thinking about. We’re like Heat magazine vs Private Eye.  

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

JL: I’m an idiot and thought it would be funny to name my portion of the show Unrelabelable, which is a made up word. 

VB: ‘Unreliable’ was a bit of a joke because I am the most reliable person we know. Reliable, sensible and … dull. I’m dull. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

JL: Unrelabelable is all idiocy, all the time.  Music, costume and props.  Too many props.

VB: No props, too many words. I even know what some of them mean. 

JL: Oooo and we might even throw in some sketch!

VB: What?! 

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

JL: I think they can expect some good gags, some stretches and plenty of messing up from me…

VB: We’re cramming a variety of styles into a short show, so there’s either something for most comedy tastes, or it’s an absolute assault to the senses. 

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

JL: I’m super excited to see Ted Hill and Aruhan Galieva.

VB: Aruhan, for sure, and Paul F Taylor. 

How are the rehearsals going?

JL: We have had some.  And that is good.  

VB: Mostly online, which is ok, but there’s nothing like a day in a studio to make some progress.  

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

JL: This show is a debut at Brighton Fringe for both Victoria and I.  We took part as complete comedy newcomers in Camden Fringe last year, producing our own comedy showcases.  It was a strange time because of where we were in the pandemic.  I’m really excited to see what it’s like to do a Fringe show in such a lush place like Brighton.  It’s actually my first time going to Brighton AT ALL, and as a queer person in their 30s, that feels like a ridiculous thing to be saying.  I’m excited!

VB: It’s a Brighton debut, yes, and feels a bit more focused than our showcase events – only because there is just Jen and I to keep track of, rather than hordes of acts. They were good fun though, except the one I had to MC at the last minute which was terrifying. I’m still feeling like an absolute novice even though I’ve learned tons.  

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

JL: If you even slightly think you’re ready, go for it!  There is a wealth of information and support out there from the organisers and venues are very responsive! 

VB: I think I’ve said this before, but get yourself a Jen. Someone on your team who is an ace project planner and a silly idiot at the same time – makes the admin much more fun.  

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

JL: Honestly, getting to split a bill with basically the first friend I made in comedy.  Victoria’s a total legend and we’ve had an amazing first year.  This feels like a little celebration for us both.  Go us.

VB: It does feel like that doesn’t it – almost exactly a year since my first live gig! I’m looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere as well as stretching my comedy legs. Metaphorically, I mean. My actual legs are perfectly sensible, if a little pale. 

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

JL: Meeting. More. Queers.

VB: The last time I went to Brighton I drank beer with friends, played cards in cool pubs, and enjoyed the sunshine. So am hoping for more of the same, plus comedy.  

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

JL: Ooo we actually need these, so seasoned pros should totally get in touch!!

VB: Check the guidance about where you can and can’t flyer, pick somewhere with footfall near your venue, get a head start on your crowd work…  

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

JL: 3 coffees, a banana and lingering self-doubt until the second my feet hit the stage.  

VB: Liberal amounts of coffee, lots of last-minute panic about things that Jen has probably already sorted, a few quiet moments pre-show, then the buzz. 

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

JL: And in the (don’t curse it) summer!  I grew up in Folkestone and I can’t wait to have myself a little holiday back by the sea.  Heaven.

VB: I’m a Pisces, so being by the sea in June is marvellous. Also I am a ginger, so being by the sea in June is horrific.  

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

JL: Any and all audience members are my ultimate dream.  

VB: That person with the infectious laugh who gets a fit of the giggles. Perhaps several of them, actually. 

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

JL: @itsjenlarner on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.  And they should also follow @ItsLarkerBout on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram because that’s our production company and we will very much have more news and more shows coming imminently!!

VB: @dr_vjbarker on Twitter and Instagram. What’s a TikTok? 

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

JL: they’re on nice and early, they’re FREE and because you’ll deffo still be able to catch your faves afterwards.

VB: All of that. Well done Jen.