Legal wizard by day, comedy genius by night, welcome to the Fringe, Sarah Lee
Hello Sarah, first things first, where are you from & where are you at, geographically speaking?
North London, born-and-bred. I still live about mile from where I grew up. (The red side not the white and blue side, before you ask).
When did you first realise you were funny?
I was at a party about 10 years ago and a friend came over and said “if I ever need to find you I just follow the sound of laughter”. That made me pretty happy and changed my perspective on myself.
Can you tell us about your day job?
I’m a hot-shot lawyer in the city. That’s not a joke, actually. Basically, if I can’t solve your problems in my day job, I can help you forget about them in my night job.
How did you get into stand-up?
I have always thought stand-up was the coolest ‘art form’, because it’s funny in the moment but it also stays with you afterwards. Something can happen months later and it will remind you of a joke / idea and you can laugh again. As for me, I had a boyfriend who was Belgian. He said to me “Belgian people are not funny. If you were Belgian you’d be a stand-up comedian”. I liked the sound of that. So I signed up for an open mic.
You were a finalist in last year’s Jewish Comedian of the Year. How did you find the experience?
Well Jewish people are pretty damn funny so I was proud to have that accolade. It’s a fantastic competition and held at a really great venue. The judges were household names as well so it was great to meet them.
As a post-Millennial, do you find that comedy is changing, is the material of older comics still relevant?
Post-millennial? Are you ID’ing me? I’ll take that as a compliment. Comedy is changing but like anything, if it’s good it will stay good . I think people are born the same whatever century they are in, it’s just society that changes around us. I’m a liberal and come from a really progressive place, so in my comedy I like to play with the secret voice inside us that wants to be progressive but kinda likes the old ways.
What does your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Long cycle ride (ooh I’m so sporty), end up in the pub for a roast and a beer (ooh I’m such a ladette), then home for a nap (face down dribbling into mattress) and gear up for an gig in the evening… Actually, in a case my mum is reading this, can you just write “spending time with my family”. Thanks.
You are about to make your debut at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe; what are you bringing to the table?
I’m doing a half-hour show so not my actual debut, but it’s my first full run. I’m a fresh female voice picking up on the nuances of liberal ideas. Also I’m a total goofball who talks about slugs. Something for everyone really.
What are you looking forward to the most about coming to the Edinburgh Fringe?
To when they crown me queen of the fringe and carry me aloft down the Royal Mile chanting my name. Or second to that, probably just how much of a laugh it will be.
Mumble Comedy 