Jake Mace
Charlie LaMassa tells us that Dundee has a habit of collecting very strange and wonderful people. Presumably counting himself among those – he’s compering a showcase night of some of the freshest comedy talent the city has to offer. Focused on the central crux of jokes and sets celebrating the city’s more unusual moments, individuals, and situations.
We caught up with Charlie for a pixelated pint to discuss all things weird and wonderful, the city of Dundee, hosting a comedy night, and everything in between.
You can catch Dundee’s Strange & Silly at Sweet @ Keiller Centre on the 16th September at 20:30 as part of Dundee Fringe. Tickets are available through the Dundee Fringe Box Office.
Hi Charlie! Tell us what made you want to put together this compilation night of Dundee’s comedians, celebrating the weird and wonderful parts of Dundee.
Charlie: As with most of the things I do this show was born out of a half though through idea at the last possible minute. I had just finished my first experience of the Edinburgh fringe as a performer and was equal parts burnt out and inspired. It was while speaking with Luis, another one of the performers and the person that gave me my first stage time, about the experience that I found out that there was still space left at the Dundee Fringe to put together a show. I would be lying if I said I was completely sober when this idea was first formed but it became a reality anyway.
I really like the idea of featuring all Dundee based comedians for a show because even though I grew up in America my mom was raised here in Dundee and I’ve got a lot of family connections here. After the last 5 years here I’ve begun to feel at home in this city and in this country despite my accent not quite fitting in yet.
So what makes this show a special one for you?
Charlie: I’d like to say this show has something for everyone, apart from the fact we all live in Dundee and all comedians we’re quite different people that come from different worlds, poetry, radio broadcasting, sketch, Portugal. As a result our styles are all unique and people will connect with us differently depending on who you are.
On a personal level I feel like this is a very fitting progression for me as I got started in comedy in large part because of a workshop I did at the Dundee Fringe last year. I’ve been on a lot of line ups over the past year, it feels amazing to be presenting one especially with some many people who make me laugh month after month at the Icebreaker shows.
So is there anything you’re hoping the audience might take away from the show’s theme?
Charlie: I want to show people how vibrant and interesting this city is. Dundee has institutions like the V&A and the Uni that get a lot of attention, but there is so much that is being built from the ground up. The Dundee fringe itself is an obvious example but you have groups like Icebreaker, the Magdalen Magazine, and of course the dozens of underground gigs and open mics showcasing local talent. I hope this show inspires people to go out and see more of the incredible art that is on their doorstep.
Now that we’re gearing up for Dundee Fringe, what are you most excited for?
Charlie: I’m looking forward to meeting the people coming to Dundee with shows as well as all the local artists I haven’t met yet. Of course I’ll be able to enjoy all of this so much more once the show is over and I can stop stressing constantly.
Fitting with the themes of our magazine, if your show was an alcoholic beverage (think cocktails, shots, beers, be creative!) what would it be?
Charlie: I thought for a long time about this question but I think the best way to describe this show is that we are the tray of drinks you order with your winnings after a successful pub quiz. The drinks you get when you can get whatever you really want as long as you don’t outspend your £50 bar voucher. I gave the other acts this prompt and compiled their answers for your reading pleasure.
Julia Sinclair: Gin with pink lemonade – looks sweet with only a Hint of bitterness
Chris Beattie: Moscow Mule – Ginger, muddled, and peaked in the early 2010s
Hannah Hamilton: Smirnoff ice because it reminds me of my childhood
Luis Alcada: Coconut rum – Warm, exotic, and linked to a surprising number of international crimes
Charlie LaMassa: Vodka Redbull – Here to get things started and keep the night going.
