EDINBURGH 2018: BWW Q&A- Ken Cheng
BWW catches up with Ken Cheng to chat about bringing Best Dad Ever to the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tell us a bit about Best Dad Ever.
Best Dad Ever is my second solo show at the Fringe and it's a lot about my unusual childhood. It's a big departure from my first show which was just me getting a feel of doing a show in Edinburgh and just doing some funny stuff. This is more a personal storytelling show where I have more of myself on display.
What was unusual about your upbringing?
I was just a weird kid. I did a lot of weird stuff - it just took me ages to develop social skills. I was crippling shy. I had a lot of weird hobbies that will come out during the show, as well as revelations about my family. I always thought I was weird because my parents were Chinese, but turns out they're weird too.
What have you been up to since last years festival?
I've been busy! I recorded my Radio 4 series which was me doing stand-up for four episodes. It was called "Chinese Comedian" which was the name of my first show but because I used a lot of projector stuff and swore a lot in my first show, I had to basically write an entirely new show, so that kept me occupied. I've also started filming a *secret* TV project that should be coming out in Autumn so keep your eyes peeled.
Who would you recommend comes to see Best Dad Ever?
Everyone...but I guess specifically people who like something different. This show is about being different, and celebrating it, and if you have ever felt like you are different then this is a show that says, it's okay to embrace that.
Are their any other shows you're hoping to see in Edinburgh?
I'm really excited about Kieran Hodgson's show - I don't know much about it but I loved his last show Maestro, which was a show about celebrating one's own weird quirks. I think that partly inspired bits of this show.
See Ken Cheng: Best Dad Ever at the Bedlam Theatre throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1st - 26th August. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com
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