Venus is coming to Pleasance what can you tell us about it?
Venus is going to be a lot of fun. I talk about pornstars, Pokémon and princes – with alliterative potential like that, what’s not to love?
What inspired you to write the Venus?
Venus is inspired by the real-life story of so-called Sara (Saartjie) Baartman, a woman who was exhibited in freakshows in the early 19th century.
Why did you want to write about this subject?
I didn’t want to write about this subject! I wanted to be the queen of mainstream and write about something hashtag relatable, but I always end up finding the dark shit the funniest. Saartjie snuck into my brain and ended up leaving very little space for anything else.
What’s the one thing about this show that makes it different from all the rest?
I don’t think many other debut shows will have required the performer to clock up quite so many hours on Pornhub.
How does it feel to be at The Pleasance?
I loved being part of the Pleasance Reserve two years ago so being in my own show here feels like fulfilling the prophecy.
What would you say to people thinking of coming to see Venus?
I know ‘my people’ are going to find me regardless because we are still so thirsty for content made by and prioritising the experiences of people we can relate to. But to older, whiter, maler Fringegoers who wouldn’t normally have a young queer black woman on their must-see list, I’d say – take a damn punt. Some of my best friends are white men. Venus is gammon-friendly fun, and I want everyone to have the best time.
Sophie Duker’s Venus is at Pleasance Below 31st July – 25th August (not 14th)
