Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist Chris Henry’s refreshingly unpretentious, honest comedy (with a little nonsense thrown in) has catapulted him to being an incredibly in-demand stand up, performing at home in Scotland and across the UK, as well as touring internationally. Before his arrival at the 2018 Fringe, Chris will have performed in over 15 countries as far afield as America, Australia, Singapore and Cambodia.
Chris has appeared on a number of TV and radio shows in Scotland including BBC Radio Scotland’s MacAuley and Co, STV’s Late Late Show and BBC Scotland’s River City.
Around The World in 80 Dates is coming to Underbelly what can you tell us about it?
The show is all about my disastrous love life and how the dating world has changed dramatically in the last decade. With a healthy dose of self-reflection, it also delves in to why I’ve been single for 9 years, and what I’m doing to change that. It’s honest, heartfelt and the funniest thing I’ve ever written.
What inspired you to write Around The World in 80 Dates?
I write about what’s going on in my life, and this year the biggest thought in my head was that I wanted to find someone to share my life with. Sounds soppy and cliché, might even sound like an easy fix, but not when the biggest thing that is making me happy is travelling the world to make people laugh. Finding someone to be a constant in your life is difficult when you can’t stop moving.
What’s the best thing about writing a show for Edinburgh Fringe?
Best thing about writing the show is when the material finally clicks together and you relax and have fun with it. Worst thing is getting it from an idea in my head to that fun part, there are a lot of “good” ideas that end up in the bin along the way.
What’s the worst thing about performing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Worst thing is knowing you have a great show, but then having to compete with a gazillion other great shows, then hoping audiences ignore that fact and still come to see you. The best thing about performing there is that it lets me go see as many of those gazillion shows as I can. It’s the biggest arts festival in the world and I love watching live entertainment.
What’s the most challenging thing about performing in Around The World in 80 Dates?
Being honest and vulnerable. For years I’ve pretended to be the alpha male comedian, some might even consider my previous shows aggressive. It was a style built to handle stag and hen parties when I was making my name at clubs like Jongleurs. This year, I’ve dropped all of that and audiences are not only going to get to hear some personal details about me, they are going to see a shift in style, barriers are coming down and they are going to get closer to the real Chris Henry.
How does it feel to be at Underbelly?
I can’t wait to work with the Underbelly. I’ve done spots over the years in the Best Of the Scottish Comedian Of The Year line ups, and have always loved their branding (purple is my favourite colour) and the team are all amazing. I’m gushing, I’ll stop now.
Why should people come see Around The World in 80 Dates?
This show appeals to everyone. If you’ve been married for 40 years it’ll give you a glimpse in to what the dating world is like now. If you are single and in your 20s it’ll serve as a warning for what your future might be. One of the reviews I had in Australia put it best, “married, engaged, dating or single, you will enjoy this show” (Fringe Feed).
Chris Henry Around The World in 80 Dates is at Underbelly Bristo Square (Medical School) 1st – 27th August (not 15th)
Following its huge success last year, Chris is also bringing Balloonatics back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. Catch the award-nominated show at the Underbelly Cowgate on 2nd – 14th, 18th – 19th and 25th – 26th August at 11.40am.
