Amy catches up with Tom Lucy, who is heading up to Edinburgh for the month of August to perform his new show, Tom Lucy: Melt at the Fringe.
Hi Tom, how are you feeling ahead of the Fringe?
Excited! The last time I took a show to the Fringe was 2018, so a long time ago. I was 21 the last time I went and I’m now 25 so I’ve changed a lot as a person and I think my stand up has evolved with that.
You’ve previously had sell-out runs at the Fringe – what can people expect from you this time around?
The new show is called ‘Melt’ and I think it’s my best show I’ve done. It’s what I’ve always done which is just stand up about my life, quite mainstream, quite universal. I’m not trying to be edgy or controversial. That’s never been my style. I do think it’s a lot more personal though, that’s what I’ve been trying to get better at and hopefully this show lets people in a bit more to my real life.
What has inspired Melt?
I’m always inspired by my own life and what’s happening around me. There have been two big life events in the last couple of years and they’re what the show is mainly about. I think 25 is quite a pivotal age for people, I’ve certainly felt that, and my on stage persona has grown up quite a bit I think.
What are the key themes / messages in the show?
I think the main themes are probably growing up, early adulthood, that transition from your early 20s to your mid 20s. First major relationships. All those kind of coming of age traits. My shows in the past haven’t had particularly strong themes or narratives but this is a little different. I’m pleased with how solid the ideas are in the show and I think being a little older makes me feel a little more like I know what I want to say on stage.
You started comedy at just 16 – what has been a highlight of your career so far?
Yes I did! There have been a lot of moments that I’ve had to really pinch myself. I think whenever I get to work with someone who I admired when I was growing up, I get a real thrill. I loved comedians like Michael McIntyre and Jack Whitehall and so working with them has been really incredible.
How have previews been going?
Previews can be very hit and miss to be honest. They’re difficult things to get punters to come to because you’re essentially asking them to come to a bad show. But I think some audiences like to see comedians work things out and talk through rough ideas. I’ve been really working this show out for the past two years so I feel like I’ve been previewing it for a long time.
Why do you think the Fringe is so big for comedians?
It’s the history of it, I think. And also the experience of doing an hour on stage every night for a month. At the end of it, you really do feel like you’ve improved a lot as a stand up. It’s also where you get noticed, where you meet people. It can be stressful but I think it’s worth it.
What is the best and worst thing about performing at the Fringe?
The best and worst thing is that there’s another show tomorrow. If you have an amazing show, it’s a little daunting because you think ‘f**k, I’ve got to do that again tomorrow’. And if you have a bad show, you can think ‘it’s okay, I’ve got another one tomorrow’.
Do you have any tips for people heading to the fringe for the first time – performers or viewers?
If you’re heading to the Fringe for the first time, I’d say try and see a mix of shows from people you know and people you’ve never heard of. A good rule would be for every show you see from someone off the TV, go and see a show from someone new you’ve never heard of. I guarantee you’ll see someone brand new who will end up being as famous, and that’s always exciting.
What shows will you be seeing whilst you’re in Edinburgh?
I’ll be trying to see as much as I can. I do like to try and have a normal routine in Edinburgh and not let it get too comedy-obsessed but I’ll definitely see some shows.
With a huge number of comedy shows to choose from at the Fringe, tell people why they should come to yours!
It’s very funny! For anyone who has been to see me in Edinburgh before, I can guarantee this is my best show.
And finally, where can people buy tickets to your shows and where do people find you on socials?
You can get tickets from any of the usual Edinburgh Fringe places or from tomlucy.com. And just search my name on any socials.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Tom Lucy: Melt is on from the 3rd Aug 2022 – 28th Aug 2022 @ Upstairs – Pleasance Courtyard at 9:45pm.
Tickets and more info can be found here
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