Following her highly acclaimed debut at Edinburgh, No More Mr Nice Chelsea, in 2022 and a sell-out Soho Theatre transfer, Chelsea Birkby is back with her second hour, This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky – a smart, silly, surprising show about lust for life, and also – ass.
Q&A with Chelsea Birkby
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
My watch told me my weekly sleep duration is trending below normal levels. I feel excited, curious and, okay, mild peril.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been on stage and yet the most silly! It’s inspired by great 20th-century thinkers, 00s novelty pop and a horse.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
If work-in-progress shows are anything to go by, with giddiness and maybe even a few tears!
How have you been preparing for the festival?
A colour-coded google doc system complete with key. And by having vinted alerts to ‘silver pleather’.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
Yes! It’s a must! I can’t wait to see the beautiful, silly things people have made and to have the three-drink special with friends (coffee, water, beer).
Do you have any Fringe anecdotes you can share with us?
Last year, I did a split bill in a 20-person karaoke booth that just invited chaos. I was trying a new bit getting to the bottom of why ‘slut’ has been reclaimed, but not ‘slag’. A German lady at the back turned to her friend to ask “What is ‘slag’?”, but since the back of the room was about 1.5metres from the front of the room, we all heard. I said “Oooh, guess”. Then the room spontaneously started chanting “WHAT IS SLAG!” Until she guessed. Correctly, by the way. Primarily, I’m here to educate.
