In her brand new stand-up show, Louise Atkinson (Winner of Amused Moose Comedy Award for Best Debut Show 2023), revisits a piece of unsolicited feedback about her appearance from someone in the comedy industry who reported that she ‘Sounds good, looks like a mess’.
She’s Got the Look is a frank and engaging hour that hilariously dissects prejudices and the absurdity of making presumptions about people based on their looks or first impressions (when really we should be judging them on their biscuit preferences). Packed with relatable anecdotes, a detailed account of her Masterchef obsession and jokes about working class cuisine, being curvy and floral glasses, Louise takes on issues of body image, societal expectations and the power of self-acceptance.
Q&A with Louise Atkinson
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
My feelings towards spending a month at the Edinburgh fringe are very similar to what someone’s wardrobe will be like for the Edinburgh fringe – mixed. I think the city of Edinburgh is beautiful, and has such a wonderful vibe. However, having a month of hearing loud American tourists, the bagpipes and improv troupes trying to involve you in their immersive flyering style whilst you’re trying to get to your own show, means I have concerns.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
When I first started comedy, I received some unsolicited feedback when I was put through to the next round of a comedy competition. I was told that I ‘Sound good but look a mess.’. It had nothing to do with my comedy or delivery, it had to do with how I looked. So the show is essentially me going full Sherlock investigation into what part of me was a mess and why people thought that. Because I do think we all look at someone and immediately insinuate a personality for them based off their outfit. For example, I’m looking at a man in black trousers and a crisp black shirt and I’ve assumed he’s a finance moron, but he might just be a vicar who lost his collar and is out buying another. I mean, I doubt a vicar would be wearing beige loafers, D&G sunglasses and swirling an Aperol spritz, but you never know.
How do you think audiences will react to the show
I’m hoping with laughter. I’m not really up for the full roman emperor experience of an audience giving me either the thumbs up or the thumbs down in terms of if they like me and that will determine if I can live. Just a bit much, you know?
How have you been preparing for the festival?
Well, I’ve been going to the gym and setting the treadmill on the highest incline I can, to prepare me for all the hills. That’s been going well. So I think next I’m going to pop on a raincoat and have someone spray water at me for sporadic amounts of time and ask a friend to continuously offer me a flyer for my entire workout. Should prep me quite nicely I reckon.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
There are a lot of great things to see this year. For example, Aaron Twitchen is taking his show Himbo up, where you are the audience can choose the subject matter, meaning the show changes every day, so that sounds really fun. There is also Nina Gilligan, Rachel Fairburn, Chelsea Birkby returning with some killer hours. Oh and some amazing debuts: Hannah Platt, Bella Humphries, Amy Mason, Kyrah Gray, so hopefully I can enjoy something at some point. If I can’t though, you should. These guys are all banging.
Louise Atkinson: She’s Got the Look is at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 1 to 25 August 2024
