Alfie Packham is a stand-up comedian and writer based in London, where he has worked as a journalist for eight years. Originally brought up in the rural West Midlands he has twice been nominated for the BBC New Comedy Award and was the Max Turner Comedy Prize winner in 2022. He writes regularly for The Guardian and Observer, as well as BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show and The News Quiz. He brings his debut comedy hour to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Q&A with Alfie Packham
How does it feel to be (making your debut at/returning to) Edinburgh Fringe?
It feels good! This might be controversial but I like the Edinburgh Fringe.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
My show is called My Gift to You. That was originally the title because I wasn’t charging people to come to work-in-progress versions of the show. But then gifts became more of a real theme as I added layers of material about gifts my mum has given me over the years.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
I’ve heard people laughing at previews of the show, which I take to be a good sign. If it makes people feel any kind of emotion besides boredom, that’s good too.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
My sister has helped me make a large, blue gift box out of cardboard, papier-mâché and paint. So, look out for that.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
I’ll be finished with my slot in the afternoon so you bet I’ll be watching other shows like a hawk.
Alfie Packham: My Gift To You is at Underbelly Bristo Square from 31 July to 26 August
