Five questions for Hayley Ellis

Manchester comedian Hayley Ellis brings her first solo hour to the Edinburgh Fringe in the form of We Need To Talk about Kevin. She talks to Giggle Beats about comedy, her obsession with Kevin (her dog) and the Manchester stand-up circuit.

Hi Hayley. Tell us about the show, We Need To Talk about Kevin.

So, the show is about love, family, friendship and also about cleaning up an awful lot of dog poo.

How do you feel about doing your first solo show at the Fringe? And of course, how does Kevin feel about his new notoriety?

I am a mixture of both nervous and excited. Nercited. Yup I’m merging two words, that’s just insania. Kevin is much more laid back about it all. In fact he’s not really spoke since I told him he will be coming up to the Fringe. Or before I told him. Actually, come to think of it, at what age do dogs start speaking? Because he’s almost 4 now.

Has your experience as part of The Comedy Zone helped you in preparing for your first solo effort up in Edinburgh?

The Comedy Zone was much less stressful as I was on with three other people so we got to share the good and the bad gigs together. It was like being part of a band. A really, really mismatched band. Now I’m solo. I may get married to my French boyfriend to promote my show… I mean, for love.

Who are your comedy heroes?

Julia Davis. Alan Carr. Jim Carrey.

There seems to be a wealth of talent coming out of Manchester at the moment – acts like yourself, Peter Brush, Steve Bugeja, Gein’s Family Giftshop… Why do you think that is?

I don’t think any of the above names including myself are actually originally from Manchester, but Manchester has such a lovely and supportive circuit. It’s an ideal place to develop and work as an act.

Hayley Ellis: We Need To Talk About Kevin, Underbelly, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, 30 July – 24 August, 4.10pm, £10/£9 concessions, edfringe.com