This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I find out about Rosalie Minnitt show called Clementine.

Location: The Rotunda Theatre: Squeak
Date: 5th – 7th May
Time: 18:15
Ticket Price: £10
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/clementine/

Hello! Tell us about your act ? 

Clementine is a character comedy show set roughly ‘in the past’. The plot follows the trials and tribulations of its eponymous heroine and she searches for the love of her life. It’s a fun, feel-good show about self-love, sickly sisters and Sylvanian Families. 

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

I found this old book in a charity shop during lockdown that was a sort of Edwardian handbook for women. It’s packed with all kinds of bizarre bits of advice – from astrology to sweeping exercises – but one of the funniest sections was about what your dreams meant. It says ‘Clementines are an auspicious fruit. But if you dream of a friend eating one, it means she wishes you ill-fortune.’ It was so weirdly specific,  and the name just fits the character so perfectly. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Even though the show is a comedy, it’s really theatrical and takes the audience on quite the adventure. My style of comedy is really incredibly silly – I love making content that’s just ridiculous and doesn’t make the audience work too much. I think it’s really tempting to create a show that appeals to a specific audience but I wanted to make a show that I would find funny and want to watch. 

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

I’m going to be performing on the opening weekend so people can expect to start off their Brighton Fringe experience with a bang! It’s fun, fast-paced and gloriously bizarre. The perfect way to kick off your bank holiday weekend.

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

There are some amazing shows coming to Brighton! I’m really excited to see Lorna Rose Treen’s character comedy show, Skin Pigeon and my fellow bursary winner’s show, Su Mi! They’re both fabulous performers and comedians so I can’t wait to catch their shows.

How are the rehearsals going?

Really well! I performed the show in March at VAULT Festival so have been tweaking little bits in the run up to Brighton Fringe. I’ll then be heading off to Buxton Fringe and finishing my summer off with a full-run at the Edinburgh Fringe!

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

I’ve actually never performed at the Brighton Fringe before but I have been to see some brilliant shows. Last year I saw Lachlan Warner’s award-winning show, ‘Voices of Evil’ last year, which was absolutely fantastic.

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

Putting yourself out there is really scary, and putting a show on is a lot more work than it looks. But I’m so proud of myself for taking that first step, getting out there and proving to myself I can do it. If you’re sitting on a show, get it on its feet. You won’t regret it! I would also advise people to apply for all their brilliant bursaries! Having a bit of financial support from the bursary has made all the difference and given me more time to focus on the content of the show without worrying too much about marketing.

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

I love performing in new places! It’s scary, because you never really know what to expect from the audience, but I’ve heard brilliant things about Brighton audiences. 

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

The sea, the North Laines, and the Pier!

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

I’m planning on getting to the festival a couple of days early so I can hit the ground running and shout about the show. I am getting a fabulous costume made for the show so I’m hoping to flyer on the streets and drum up some interest!

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

My show is on at 6.15pm so I’m hoping to squeeze in some morning swims in the sea (weather permitting), I’ll then get into my costume and start flyering! I’ve got some friends coming to help me so hopefully we will flood the streets with flyers and get good audiences in. I’ll definitely be having some fish & chips in the sun, and maybe a sneaky beer before heading to the venue to get set up!

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

Definitely! I can’t wait to go for morning swims and treat myself to a day on the beach after my run is finished.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

My dream audience member is someone I can win over. Someone who might not be sure of the show at the beginning, you can tell needs that little bit of convincing, but then throws caution to the wind and embraces the chaos.

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

@rosalieminnitt