What Now?
BRIDGET CHRISTIE | INTERVIEW
Written by Mel Lynch in Buzz Mag on May 15th, 2018
With a critically acclaimed book, an international Netflix special and touring a new standup show What Now?, Bridget Christie is a woman in demand and busier than ever. Her style of comedy never shies away from big issues such as politics, race and equality but she stresses the importance of balancing silliness with seriousness. “You really have to think of a way to make it different otherwise it’s basically a really boring TED talk,” she says. “I’m not here to change the world or make interesting points, people have come out to have a laugh.”
Christie loses no sleep over pleasing everyone within her comedy. “I think people enjoy seeing all different types of personalities. I wouldn’t try to be likable. That would be the last thing I’d try to be. If someone said ‘you’re not likable,’ it wouldn’t make any difference.”
Although dealing with issues of equality is a regular occurrence in her act, like many Christie is exasperated about continually having to talk about barriers to entry – “The fact that we have to talk about getting more women into comedy is annoying” – and suggests that the real issue is changing the conversation. “The same conversations keep being had over time, because it’s so deeply ingrained and institutionalised. We don’t even have the language yet to talk about it in a way that feels progressive and constructive.”
Despite finding her break with A Bic For Her at The Edinburgh Fringe, this year won’t see Christie return (although don’t rule it out in the future). As a result, she has added a number of work-in-progress dates in London to refine her act. In continuing her experimental outlook she also looks forward to writing for the screen and starring in her own Channel 4 sitcom based on her home town of Gloucester. “I’ve been doing standup for so long I’m actually really looking forward to writing in a different sort of way,” she says. “It’s more about stories and characters.” For fans of one of the UK’s most innovative comics, this is surely something to look forward to. MEL LYNCH
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 24 May. Tickets: £16-£18. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermantheatre.co.uk
Hay Festival, Oxfam Moot, Hay-On-Wye, Sat 2 June. Tickets: £15. Info: 01497 822620 / www.hayfestival.com
Written by Mel Lynch in Buzz Mag on 15th May 2018.
Filed Under: What Now?, Interview