Bella Humphries: Square Peg – Hotly anticipated stand-up debut about family, farmers and finding out that being yourself is really hard work! Rising star Bella Humphries ‘oozes charm’ (BlizzardComedy.co.uk) as she delves into every nook and cranny of her life so far to find out who she is, and why. As heard on BBC Radio Wales and seen at Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Greenman Festival and supporting Kiri Pritchard-Mclean on tour.
Q&A with Bella Humphries
How does it feel to be making your debut at Edinburgh Fringe?
Terrified and excited in equal measures! This has been a goal of mine since I started doing comedy, so it feels really amazing that I’m finally doing it. But also like this might be the worst idea of all time and I could’ve just gone on a lovely holiday instead.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
Without giving away too much, the show is a highly personal, honest retelling of my life over the past few years. Having been diagnosed with PMDD in 2021, I really struggled to come to terms with it at first but once I started talking about it on stage that all changed. It made me feel more in control and it opened up some incredible conversations with audience members. So it’s really inspired by that.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
Hopefully in a positive way and they’ll find it interesting as well as funny, unlike my sister who, when she saw one of my WIP’s said “I’m sorry but I just couldn’t laugh because I was too sad because I know you!” Not the reaction I was hoping for to be honest! So if it’s something more positive than that I’ll be happy.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
I’ve driven hundreds miles around the country doing as many previews as physically possible and have been working with my incredible director, Esther Manito. And then just mentally prepping myself for an intense month and reminding myself that I chose this and I love doing comedy – it’s so easy to forget that in the midst of show prep.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
Oh I hope so. I’m busy compiling a list currently of everything I want to see. It’s already so long that I think I’ll be averaging about three hours sleep a night if I want to fit it all in.
Bella Humphries: Square Peg is at Just the Tonic Mash House, Just the Bottle Room until 25 August
