The Edinburgh Fringe is less than two months away and this week Beyond The Joke kicks off its Edinburgh preview coverage with an interview with Amelia Hamilton, who is making her full-length debut at the Fringe this year. Claiming to be the only female stand-up rap comedian in the UK, her show Forget Me Not is set to an original soundtrack of live rap. Hamilton brings her character blend of wit, charm, and musical talent in this high-energy stand-up hour with “a proper gag in every line”- Chortle. She hilariously delves into relatable rap battles with her own intrusive thoughts, campaigns for women in STEM, and questions how not to be forgotten. A featured artist on BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio, Runner Up Komedia Comedy Awards 2024, BBC New Comedy Awards Nominee 2024. “Amelia Hamilton breaks the mould”- BNN.
Amelia Hamilton: Forget Me Not, 9.45pm, Pleasance Courtyard (Attic) July 30th – August 24th (except 11). Tickets and info here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)
Genuinely, and this is sickening so I wish it wasn’t the first question because it’s not the image I want to put out there, I put my hand on my heart and I say to myself- ‘I trust you. I believe in you. You’ve got this.’ *Vomits in sincerity*
What irritates you?
PIANOS AT TRAIN STATIONS! It’s instant rage for me every time there is some idiot who can only play one song terribly, hammering away making us listen to Fur Elise for the millionth time while he tries to impress a woman who is NOT INTERESTED.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Kissed my uber driver.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Kissed my uber driver.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
Hmmm lots of things maybe the top 3 are:
- There is space for everyone.
- Dingy comedy clubs are more fun than theatres.
- Kent.
What do your parents think of your job?
I think they are thrilled they don’t have to watch sincere theatre like when I was a student.
My mum is still traumatised from watching me be shot in the head when I was in the typically disturbing Martin McDonagh play, The Pillowman. Jokes on her though - that’s gonna be the ending to my next show.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
It can be lonely sometimes.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
Depends where I am on my cycle.
Luteal and menstruation phase- I’m terrible and I hate everything I’ve ever written.
Follicular and ovulating- Boy oh boy you betta watch out because this gal got some confidence to her.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Not enough to quit my day job. Just a few million if you’re offering?
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
I think luck has a big part to play in things. Of course, you must be ready for the luck in order to make the most of it. If you haven’t worked hard and developed your craft when luck comes your way you can’t ride the wave.
The luckiest things that have happened to me are the people I’ve met. I have a list in my phone of people who have been kind to me and helped me. One day I am going to create a whole lotta luck in their lives in return.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?
I think this also might be dictated by where I am on my cycle. Quite a period-based response set from me here.
Half the time I will be drinking wine and trying to work out how fragile my identity is.
The other half I am definitely a metaphorical golfer.
What does that make me? Confused probably but I’m gonna go for a self-harming golfer.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
This is a hard question so I am not gonna overthink it and just say the first person who comes to my mind and that is Steve Backshall. Can we universally agree that he shall be the new David Attenborough and get on board? His amazement at the world is infectious and incredibly sweet. Also Helen Glover and him are the power couple of the century.
Honorable mention to Aldo Kane who is the medic and health and safety person on their expeditions. He’s a married man by the looks of things, but blimey there’s no one I’d rather have secure my ropes as I scale some rough terrain.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please, think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
No. Does anyone? May I suggest you just get separate drawers?
Amelia Hamilton: Forget Me Not, 9.45pm, Pleasance Courtyard (Attic) July 30th – August 24th (except 11). Tickets and info here.
Picture Credit: Rebecca Need-Menear
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