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Gabby Killick: Conversations With My Agent

By | Published on Monday 24 July 2023

As is fairly well established, we interview quite a lot of comedy acts when it’s Fringe time, and quite often we speak to young, green newcomers, which is lovely. But it’s also great to speak to those with a bit of a track record, because here at ThreeWeeks we love getting to know the people who come back to the Edinburgh Festival every year. 

Gaby Killick has already brought three solo shows to the Festival, and returns this year with her fourth, ‘Conversations With My Agent’, from which you can expect some typically eclectic material involving characters, songs and sketches. I spoke to Gaby to find out more about this year’s show, her relationship with Edinburgh, and what keeps drawing her back to edfringe. 

CM: Can you start by telling readers who haven’t seen one of your shows before what sort of thing to expect from you?
GK: I’ve been told I’m like a hurricane on stage. There are sketches, characters, songs, one-liners, multiple accents and everything in between.

It’s chaos. But within the chaos, there is magic – though not actual magic, I’m not a magician. 

I get it, it sounds weird, but honestly, all the best things are. Don’t go and see stuff you always see. Try something different, try me! 

CM: How would you describe your style of performance?
GK: My performance style is inspired by Britney Spears, Robin Williams and Kim Kardashian. 

Britney inspired the pop star vibes in my show.

Robin Williams inspired the multi-character comedy. 

Kim inspired my sex tape. Sadly you don’t see this in the show. 

CM: Now can you tell us a bit more about this year’s show in particular – what themes and topics are addressed in it?
GK: This show is about my dark, twisted and hilarious relationship with showbusiness. 

My agent tells me I’m not far from being cancelled and I need to “play it safe”, but where’s the fun in that!? I’ve always had an issue with following authority. And if you think rules should be broken then this is the show for you. 

Many of the themes in the show fall under the umbrella of cancel culture. And the running question throughout the show is “how far is too far”? 

The world is so sensitive right now and that makes it very difficult to follow any advice I get. I get told all the time to write honestly about my thoughts and feelings but, at the same time, I get told I’m not allowed to offend anyone, so which one is it? Because it can’t be both.

If I cannot offend then I cannot be honest. We are a generation of imperfect people, who expect each other to be perfect. And that’s difficult to navigate. 

Quick note: Please don’t come if you’re easily offended. My banter can be a bit brutal and if you’re not into that we can just save ourselves both some time, haha! 

CM: What inspired you to create this show?
GK: My whole life has been centred around my love for the performing arts. And as I’ve got older I’ve realised it’s actually a really unfair and toxic industry. And because I’m exposed to it every day, I thought it made sense to talk about it on stage.

CM: You’ve brought a number of shows to Edinburgh now. Do you think they get better as the years go on?
GK: Yeah definitely, performing and writing is like playing the piano – the more you practise the better you become.

CM: What makes you keep bringing your shows back to Edinburgh?
GK: Creatively it’s really good to have a target to work towards.

However, last year it was so tough and I said I wouldn’t do it again, but in the words of pop icon Rachel Stevens “I said never again but here we are…” – so secretly I must be addicted to it! 

CM: Is there anything you don’t like about the Fringe?
GK: How delusional everyone is. Why do we all think we have a shot at making the big time? The chances are so unbelievably small and here we are just going for it. Like, I’m sorry but what the fuck are we all doing?

We’re definitely going to get to 50 and cringe but to be fair I’d rather do that than not try at all. 

CM: What are you looking forward to about this year’s Fringe? Do you have plans? Will you be seeing lots of shows?
GK: I will go and see as many shows as I can, drown in the artistic tsunami and try and take it all in!

Definitely looking forward to the following: 

Thenjiwe – ‘The Mandela Effect’ – she really makes you think and laugh! 

Sachin Kumarendran – ‘Deceit’ – He’s so enjoyable, definitely one to watch! 

Matt Price – ‘As Seen On CCTV’ –  he’s a storyteller like no other! 

CM: Can we talk about the past now? What drew you to a performing career? Was it what you always wanted to do?
GK: I’ve always loved being on the stage. I guess I’m just a massive attention seeker?

Ever since I was a child I found so much joy in bringing inanimate objects to life. Just thinking if that thing could talk – what would it say and how would it feel?!

I used to do that in my mum’s kitchen and now I do that on stage. It was an easy transition. 

CM: What would you say have been the highlights of your career thus far?
GK: Anytime I do an abroad gig I have a tingly feeling in my tummy. I just can’t believe someone is flying me somewhere to tell jokes. 

CM: What aims and ambitions do you have for the future?
GK: Everyone performing at the Fringe has the same dream, which is to be widely famous and rich. Luckily I’m already both those things. Just kidding, I’m an unknown broke-ass bitch. 

CM: What’s coming up next for you after this?
GK: I’ll be going on tour – follow me on social media for dates! 

Gabby Killick performed ‘Conversations With My Agent’ at Gilded Balloon Teviot at Edinburgh Festival 2023.

LINKS: twitter.com/GabbyKillick | linktr.ee/gabbykillick 

Photo: Steve Ullathorne 

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