Get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even manifest a better version of yourself as comedian Erin Farrington brings her brand-new Edinburgh Fringe show, 'Think Better: Manifesting Money, Real Estate and Hot People,' to the stage. Known for her sharp wit and unique comedic style, Erin takes the concept of manifestation and turns it on its head, offering a hilarious, workshop-style experience that promises to be anything but serious. With her background in improv and her involvement with the chaotic Stamptown Comedy Night, Erin's show is a must-see mix of clever insights and uproarious comedy. Dive into our interview with Erin to learn more about the inspirations behind her latest creation and her journey through the world of comedy.
Can you tell us a bit about the concept of manifestation and why you decided to make it part of your show?
Manifestation is about making your dreams and aspersions become a reality simply by believing they will happen. I personally am very attracted to a lot of manifestations and mindfulness practices, the things I have learned have helped me tremendously. It easy to think that the concept is just “think about it and it will happen” but it is actually a lot more involved, a lot of introspection and self-reflection, changing habits and focusing your energy on realistic goals on your journey. My show has none of that. I wanted it to be the feel of a workshop in a best western motel conference room. During the pandemic I started seeing a lot of TikTok’s of tarot card readings and people selling spell candles and manifestation oils and I just thought it was so funny to see people doing these long time spiritual practice on an Instagram live. So, my show is very much “what if the most shallow person you know tried to teach you how to become a better version of yourself”.
You are an alum of the Improv Asylum in Boston – is improv is something you’ve always been good at, or is it a skill that you’ve honed over time?
I started doing improv when I was around ten years old at a summer camp. Much like a lot of my loud undiagnosed ADHD peers I found improv clubs were one of the few places that welcomed the kind of chaotic attention seeking energy I was cursed with. But I don’t think I was always good at it, no. It is very much a practiced art form, I did it through college and then took classes at Improv Asylum until I was eventually cast on one of their paid casts. It took a long time of bad shows in a basement in Boston before I got to where I am now.
You work closely with the chaotic and outrageous riot that is Stamptown (Stamptown Comedy Night – Edinburgh’s most chaotic cult mixed bill comedy show). How, if at all, has being a part of that show impacted your own on-stage persona?
I love Stamptown’s chaos. It is exciting and fast paced and loud it is so so out of this world. After about 6 months of preforming with Zack Zucker and Stamptown in New York I got to develop a character during last year’s fringe, a stressed stage manager who is trying her best to keep everything together. She is very much inspired by real audience reactions and sometimes even actual stage managers stress during a Stamptown. I love to lean into the stress of the show and freak out alongside everyone in their seats.
You have a strong following on TikTok now. Do you ever hold back on posting content online to save it for your live shows, or do the ideas come to you constantly?
I think it is fun to write for both mediums! TikTok has its own language and culture and it’s so fun to write jokes that really will only work on the app. But if I have a particularly dumb bit that I think is funny sometimes I will throw it on there to test it before I do it live. I find that the algorithm will let you know if a joke is worth doing it again on stage.
In the current economy, it’s difficult to convince people to get out of the house and back into the theatre again. When up against the internet and short-form video, what do you think is the key to keeping live comedy alive and thriving?
Improv and live theatre is about the connection between the performer and audience, that energy is so priceless to me. In a world where everything posted online will live on forever, I think there is something kind of rare and special about being in a show that will only happen once. Everyone in a room together sharing a moment that can’t be captured in exactly the same way ever again it is a feeling that is honestly worth the ticket price. Even if a show is bad, it can make you feel something more intense than any cringe video online. Sharing an experience with a room full of strangers connects everyone in a way that can’t be replicated though a screen.
Erin Farrington – Think Better: Manifesting Money, Real Estate and Hot People will be performed at 5.40pm in the Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two) from the 31st July – 25th August (not 14th)
Booking Link: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/erin-farrington-think-better-manifesting-money-real-estate-and-hot-people
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