EDINBURGH 2023: Sikisa Q&A

BWW caught up with Sikisa to chat about bringing Hear Me Out to the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Hear Me Out.

My show this year is all how since being diagnosed as dyslexic in December 2022, I have realised that communication using words is not my strongest feature. It’s a more personal show than last year, although still fun and energetic. Especially as there is a surprise in the show.

Why did you want to share this story?

I’ve spent the majority of my life keeping thoughts and emotions to myself because I was worried about upsetting people but that meant I wasn’t being honest with myself. Also I also realised a lot about myself since being diagnosed and I wanted to share that as there may be some people who could relate.

Having had such a successful debut at the Fringe last year, are you feeling any pressure?

I don’t really – I didn’t have to come back to Edinburgh Fringe but I wanted to push myself to write a show that was more personal and more honest. Obviously I worry about reviews but to be honest I am happy with what I’ve achieved in such a short time.

What are you looking forward to about performing at Monkey Barrel this year?

I am looking forward to performing to a different audience. I loved my venue last year but there is something that I bond with in terms of the atmosphere at Monkey Barrel. Plus all the staff there are so lovely. The venue has such a buzz.

What would you like audience to take away from Hear Me Out?

I would hopefully like the audience to see a different side to me and also see how I have grown as a comedian since I was last at the Fringe. I hope people leave the show feeling uplifted and they have learnt something about me, but also perhaps themselves.

Sikisa’s new stand-up show ‘Hear Me Out’ will be at the Monkey Barrel 4 at 7.50pm from 2nd – 27th August (except 16th/  21st) for tickets go to www.edfringe.com