EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Liz Miele

We speak to US comic Liz Miele about her 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show Mind Over Melee.

Tell us a bit about Mind Over Melee

Mind Over Melee is about my experiences traveling through life and Europe as an anxiety-ridden American. I joke about my struggles with my physical health, mental illness in my family, dating, traveling through Europe alone, and coming to grips with getting older and being an adult.

What was the inspiration behind the show?

My battle with my mounting physical and mental health issues as well as my family's deep-seated mental health problems. Also my journey to both better and accept myself. It's been a difficult but also really eye-opening year for me, and this show takes you on a journey as I begin to explore what growing up truly means.

Do you think you know what to expect from the festival?

I literally have no idea what to expect. I did a lot of research before deciding to take this on and talked to American comic friends who've done it to get their perspective as well as UK comic friends who've done it a bunch. Everyone had both terrible and great things to say. Honestly, regardless of how it goes I'm proud that I took this on. We have nothing like it in the US. It will be an experience to say the least.

Who would you recommend comes to see Mind Over Melee?

I'm a joke writer at heart - my show is 60 minutes of jokes and funny stories. So comedy nerds, women, open-minded men, people who like learning about different cultures, people who read, anyone who is struggling with getting older or with self-acceptance, people who like to laugh at their mistakes, people who like loud, foul-mouthed New Yorkers, and cats. Big cat fanbase.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I'm getting kinda sad cause a lot of the shows I wanna see are the same time as mine. I was looking forward to checking out Orlando Baxter (fellow American comic), Andrea Hubert, John Hastings, Will Duggan, and Stu Goldsmith. And really just go out and be swayed into some shows like other people?

Timings and ticket information for Liz Miele: Mind Over Melee are available on the edfringe website.