| 20 questions: 3ft 6in comic Tanyalee Davis

20 questions: 3ft 6in comic Tanyalee Davis

Which comedian(s) inspired you to become a stand-up?

No comedians inspired me to become a comedian. I had never been to a comedy club before. I just knew I loved to laugh and when I went to a comedy club for the first time I knew I could do it. Doing standup was instantaneous and that’s what I wanted!

Where and when was your first gig?

My first standup gig was January 25th, 1990 at Yuk Yuk's comedy club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

How did it go?

I did three minutesand it was fab. They asked me back the following week and my mother showed up with my cousins, the neighbours and I died on my ass.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever had?

In 2006 I got to perform at the Pantages Theatre in my hometown of Winnipeg on a gala show for the comedy festival. It was a big deal because I hadn’t been back to Winnipeg in 13 years. It was very emotional for me.

And the worst?

At the cafeteria of a psychiatric hospital in. I was worried the patients’ medication would wear off and they would lunge for me.

What’s your ultimate ambition in comedy?

I love performing to live audience but its physically taking its toll. I want to do more acting on TV and movies.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever regretted saying on stage?

I haven’t said anything I’ve regretted.

What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said about you?

The worst criticism is that I do too much ‘midget’ stuff. Number 1: If I’m making the audience laugh for the entire time I’m up there, who cares? Number 2: I talk about my personal life which many comedians do. I have a unique perspective and I don’t think tha’s its hokey lame ‘midget’ jokes.

When did you first come to Edinburgh, and what did you do?

My first fringe was in 2003 with a show called the US Comedy Invasion

What’s been the biggest change since then?

The biggest change is I am working outside my comfort zone of stand-up and trying the story-telling style and I feel liberated,

Is the Fringe still where stars can be spotted?

I believe the fringe is a great platform for exposure and that’s why I keep coming back. Plus I have my ‘festival family’ of friends I only see once a year.

What’s you favourite Edinburgh experience?

This my favourite experience so far because this is my first solo show and I am standing on my own. I did all the leg work, all the prep and the writing. I have never gotten any higher than three stars on a show that I’ve previously been on, and so far I have three four-stars with Little Do They Know

And your worst?

I had an absolute mental breakdown for 36 hours mid way this festival. The pressure I put on myself and the intense environment got to me. I knew I would get over it and I did... with the help of some goof friends.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in Edinburgh?

Any place which is open for breakfast at 6am when I’m pissed and hungry.... still trying to find that place.

And to drink?

The Loft and Library bars at the Gilded Balloon

Where do you go to escape the festival?

In my room, on my computer.

What’s your view of comedy awards like the if.comedy?

I guess they are needed. I’d like to get a nod to increase exposure. If I don’t... they suck and get rid of them.

What one bit of advice would you give to someone visiting the festival?

Pace youself!

Apart from your own, what other show would you recommend?

Phonebook Live - 20 mins of silliness. It’s a charity show for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in the Green Room; Liz Carr and Jane Bostock's Unnatural Comedy Selection at Linsay's free festival; the Sound of Music drag show; Butch in the Pleasance Dome and Paul Betney's Unshakeable at the Counting House

  • Tanyalee Davis: Little Do They Know is on at the Pleasance Dome at 20:45

Published: 22 Aug 2007

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