EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Yianni Agisilaou

Tell us a bit about your show

It's an hour of stories and jokes exploring the double standards around gender, masculinity and femininity that we've managed to weave into this thing we call a society. I talk a lot about my family which includes two straight men, a woman, and a gay man. It's about how some of us are outsiders, some of us are different and that if we want a supportive society that works we need to create space for this.

Oh, and it's laden with laughs. Just in case that all sounds too heavy.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

Because I love Edinburgh. Because it's a wonderful festival. Because when you look into your audience you know that you're seeing people from all over the world. Because it lets me spend a wonderful tax-deductible month in an immense and unique artistic stew where creators from all corners of our planet converge to express themselves and to share their joy for life with other art lovers.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Well it couldn't be more distinct from everything in the dance, theatre and music sections. If I'd registered it in any of those sections the reviews would read 'spectacularly different and exceptionally unique'. Unfortunately, they'd quite justifiably be surrounded by words such as 'misleading' and 'deceiving'

As far as comedy goes, although there are lots of amazing and funny women discussing gender (like Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe and Adrienne Truscott) there aren't that many men doing it, which I think is a great shame because I believe that equality will make the world better for everyone.

Also (regrettably) often women's voices are dismissed and people only start listening when a man says something (like Bill Cosby/Hannibal Buress). That's not right of course and hopefully it won't be the case in the future, but for now it's important that the conversation takes place.

In terms of how I perform it, I'm not really reinventing the wheel, but many in the wheel business have commented that it's one of the best wheels on the market. Great traction, handling and really pimps up your ride.

Who would you recommend comes to see your show?

Anyone who's been different and treated worse because of it. Women who like cutting their hair short. Guys who don't particularly like beer. Anyone who's queer or loves someone who is. Women who like maths or science and men who like knitting and/or the colour pink.

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

Hell yes. Mark Watson is doing a thing called 'Festival of Bad Ideas'. It's a series of one hour slots in which comedians attempt to do something that they've maybe always wanted to but have been afraid that it's a terrible idea. As someone who booked a 1200 seat theatre for a one off show about ambition and only sold just over a quarter of it, I think that sounds like a bloody great idea.

On a similar tone to my own show, there are some great ladies that I'm also looking forward to seeing: Elf Lyons, Mae Martin and Desiree Birch.

Timings and ticket information for Yianni Agisilaou: Pockets of Equality are available on the edfringe website.

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