Q&A with Chortle Hotshot Jessie Nixon

Jessie Nixon is the final Chortle Hotshots to be profiled here – the five Edinburgh Fringe debutants who we selected from gigs around the country  and who we tip for good things....

How did you get into comedy?

I got into comedy in the last week of my time at university as a sort of pre-graduation bucket list endeavour. After that I was hooked and stalked a few gigs in Bristol before thinking ‘I reckon I could do that!’. 

Then I had some really tough months as a recent graduate where I truly think the comedy community saved me, got me out of the house and kept me vaguely sane. 

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

With regards to self-discovery it’s probably the fact that I’m a real billy-big-bollocks on stage and am incredibly confident. It’s not like in real life I’m a wallflower but I think maybe I used to be? 

I think that being able to access that persona has helped me so much in other jobs, on dates, in conflicts and in general. In terms of the job, probably the fact that the fees have stayed the same for like 40 years :(

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

‘Get big or get bored’ There is no failure there is only get big (ie do the damn thing) or get bored and stop doing the damn thing because it no longer pleases you. 

Who’s your comedy hero?

There was something about watching Maria Bamford for the first time and realising how easy comedy could look and how playful it is - I think it has to be her. I think I probably went through a ‘Copying Maria Bamford’ phase in the same way that male comics went through an Acaster phase. 

What’s your Edinburgh Fringe debut about?

It’s about weird men in my Insta DMs, about wanting to be desired and beloved, worrying about what old me will think of young me, men’s jumpers, cats, country music and grotty little poems among a myriad more.  

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

Oooh tough question alert! I think probably any of the stories that make people gasp and groan. The ones where I really take a hard loss are probably my favourite. Probably for me the sweetest reveal of the show is at the end but you’ll have to come and see it to know which it is! 

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

Nothing huge. I think that the show has quite a few self-deprecating jokes which sometimes make people want to give me a hug. I promise I'm OK! Although I do love hugs! I think it’s one of my penchants to hide something devastating amongst all the fun. Like a nail in a gateaux. :) 

What are you expecting from the Fringe?

I want to have an affair with a clown, feel happy and content, have a crisp glass of white wine now and again and go see some earth-shatteringly good shows. 

• Jessie Nixon: Don’t Make Me Regret This is on at Assembly George Square at 7.20pm during the 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: 18 Jul 2025