This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I speak to Nerine Skinner and how she is feeling about her first Brighton Fringe!

Shows: Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss (work in progress)
Location: The Caxton Arms
Date: 25th May
Time: 17:30
Ticket Price: £6 Concession £5
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/the-rise-and-fall-of-nerine-skinner-a-liz-truss-parody-work-in-progress/

Hello! Tell us about your act ? 

My show is all about how parodying Liz Truss a few years ago was a blessing and a curse as I now worry I have developed a concerning codependency with the former Prime Minister of Great Britain. For 49 days I had success as an impressionist with my sketches of Truss, which went viral online, even though I’d never done an impression of anyone before! But as soon as she came, she went and I’m not sure I’ve quite got over that! Time for me to let go but I’m not great at that… To top it all off, since then people look at me and see Liz Truss; she won’t leave me either! This show follows my journey of trying to shake Liz from my body and mind, through heartfelt storytelling, parodies and many original characters who are helping me to find a way to move forwards and escape her clutches! Thank goodness I don’t look like her…

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

I’m a very indecisive person and my show does explore that along the way, so deciding on a title was actually really tricky. In Two Minds was a great way to show the indecision and the lodger in my head… Liz Truss. However, I am looking to change it to “The Exorcism of Liz Truss” as I realised I think this could be just what I need to remove her from inside me. (What a strange sentence!) So make yourself known if you deal in this kind of thing!

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

My show is a mixture of storytelling through stand up, alternative character comedy and songs. Oh and you might just meet Liz Truss and a few other political figures a long the way!

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

An hour of silly and truthful fun, full of characters and stories and my inner battle to shake this toxic relationship from my life. Full of interaction, you’ll get to see the inner workings of my mind and probably leave feeling better about your own life!

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

I can’t wait to see Kayleigh Jones: I Fed My Dad to a Pelican and Sitting Pretty with Kitty Cassis. I’m also really looking forward to seeing some shows I’ve not heard of and soaking up the fringe atmosphere.

How are the rehearsals going?

I feel like I’m constantly changing sections or second guessing a lot of material, but I’m seeing that as a positive as I want to make sure I’m choosing the right material for the show. I have so many ridiculous stories, so I have to talk to myself to make sure they connect to the themes! I’m really enjoying playing and finding new jokes or moments that I didn’t think about initially. I can’t wait to have an audience though, as talking to myself during audience interaction moments is a bit concerning! 

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

I haven’t done Brighton Fringe before, so this is all very new for me and I’m really excited to see what it’s like. I absolutely love Brighton having been brought up nearby. So the idea of performing comedy there too is the perfect mix! I’ve been to see a few shows in the past there and I remember I couldn’t stop laughing at Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare. I thought to myself there’s no way I’d be able to even stand up in that situation. I’m a light weight!

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

To just go for it and try not to overthink it. The moment you start thinking too much, it’s easy to talk yourself out of it all. If you want to go for it and have been thinking about it for a while, just go for it and have fun. 

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

I’m really looking forward to being in such an open and welcoming environment. I love how diverse Brighton is and how supportive of the Arts the city is too. It’s such a lovely place to be as a creative and then performing to people who love the performing arts industry too is a perfect concoction!

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

The sea, the lanes and fish and chips. I know that’s probably what everyone says but I don’t care! 

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

Don’t be scared and just approach people anyway. I think it’s so hard to just get started with flying sometimes (well I definitely find that) but I think just being bold and confident, or even doing it in character, or finding something fun in it for yourself is really helpful. Sometimes I try different accents for a laugh! But ultimately be proud of your show and go and tell people about it, you’ve nothing to lose!

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

Have a nice breakfast full of healthy and nutritional ingredients. If I have time I’d love to go somewhere in Brighton for something lovely! I try to eat as much as I can early on because the nerves stop me eating just before the show, so getting my energy levels up early is key! After that I’ll warm up physically and vocally and go through the show lightly and calmly to get focussed. Then I’ll try and switch off for a bit and listen to some upbeat music… I love Wham! (Don’t judge me!) and then I’m ready to go! After the show, I then eat as much as I can and finally I go and relax and watch some other fabulous comedians doing their thing!

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

Absolutely. Just being able to see the sea before and after my show just puts everything in perspective and getting the fresh sea air before hand is a great way for some extra energy too!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Simon Pegg or Kristen Wiig. I’d love to make them laugh in the way they make me laugh and also thank them for all their creations. 

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

I’m on all the socials (when I can keep up with them!) @nerineskinner so come find me and connect! 

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

it is silly, truthful and I need your help to work out how to move forwards in my life. Come and help me please!