Q&A with Chortle Hotshot Shalaka Kurup

Earlier this year, Chortle selected five Hotshots from a series of gigs around the country. They are all comedians making their debut at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe that we tip for good things. We’re profiling them all across this week, with Shalaka Kurup today:

How did you get into comedy?

My PhD was very boring, so I started doing science communication/science comedy on the side and really loved it. During the pandemic, I kept in touch with the people I met through that who introduced me to the idea of doing stand-up, and the first thing I did when the lockdown was lifted was to sign up for my first open mic - Freedom Fridge. 

What are the most surprising things - for good or bad - that you’ve discovered about yourself or the job of comedian – since you started?

That I'm not as much of an extrovert as I thought I was. Maybe it's the amount of socialisation that comes with the job, but I love and treasure any time I have to sit around in my PJs and do nothing. 

What's the best piece of advice you’ve been given in comedy?

Always try one new thing. No matter what the gig, try something new. It could be a different way of saying something, changing around the order of your set, adding in a new joke, or doing a funny voice - always try something new. 

Who’s your comedy hero?

I have so many, the list is endless. But if I had to pick just one person, it would be Aisling Bea. She can make anything funny. I could watch her read the phone book, and it would be the funniest version of the phone book to exist. Also, she's incredibly lovely! 

What’s your Edinburgh Fringe debut about?

My attempt to get a mental health diagnosis for attention. I'm sorry. 

Which is your favourite bit of your own material? And is the same as the bit that goes down best with audiences?

Unfortunately, none of my favourite jokes go down as well with an audience as they do with me. I had to drop my favourite joke because it was a chess reference from 1996 - ‘You're Gary Kasparov, I'm IBM. Call me Deep Blue, because I'm making your balls hurt.’ Absolutely do not blame any audience for not enjoying that joke. 

Is there anything in your show that you were a bit reluctant to share?

One of the central plotlines in my show is about a woman who calls up the helpline that I used to work at, and no spoilers, but it's a very bizarre story. I was, and still am, quite nervous every time I talk about it. 

What are you expecting from the Fringe?

I'm trying to have no expectations at all, and just take each day as it comes. I'm planning on doing the Fringe, in the words of my hero Dominic Toretto, ‘a quarter mile at a time’. 

• Shalaka Kurup: Get A Grip is on at Pleasance Courtyard at 8.30pm during the Edinburgh Fringe.

• Comics chosen as our Hotshots get financial help with their Fringe run, supported by the Fast Fringe showcases we run at Edinburgh. This year, our usual 6.30pm show at Pleasance Dome (tickets) is supplemented by a clean, family-friendly version at 1.15pm in Gilded Balloon Appleton tower (tickets). Thanks to the comedians – 12 of them each day – taking part.

Published: 15 Jul 2025