Shane Torres: Skinned Knees - Shane Torres on family, grief and his Edinburgh Fringe debut, Shane Torres: Skinned Knees

For his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut, US stand-up comedian Shane Torres (Conan, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) presents Skinned Knees, a deeply personal show about family, grief and the responsibility of holding everything together after loss. Looking back on a childhood shaped by a more traditional idea of manhood, Torres reflects on the lasting impact of his parents' lives and deaths and considers what happens when the emotional centre of a family is no longer there. We caught up with Shane to hear more about the inspiration behind the show.

Why was Skinned Knees the story you wanted to bring to Edinburgh for your Fringe debut?

I sat next to a lot of this stuff for a while or only tried it sparingly. When the Stamptown guys and I talked about Fringe I saw a thread for a show and started getting ready for this challenge.

Your show touches on a more traditional version of masculinity. What did being "a man" look like in the world you came from?

I’m from Texas so I would say pretty typical form with a different accent.  Strong and silent type with a lot of doses of bullshit that I saw even as a younger guy.

Your show deals with grief, but it also sounds very funny. Is humour something you've always used to process difficult experiences?

100 percent. I use it to deal with lots of things in my life. It may not always be the prefect tool for the situation, but I will say it it’s always been useful for me as a dude who needs the relief it provides.

What's the biggest misconception people have about the American South and the people who grow up there?

That it’s all one thing, it’s massive and there are really beautiful things about it. Also, a lot of the shit people say about it is true, but realise that generalities are not truths. 

Your mother plays a significant role in the show. If you could choose one thing she taught you that still influences your life today, what would it be?

Work hard. It goes so much further than almost anything else.

You've performed on major US television shows and toured with some huge names. Does making your Edinburgh Fringe debut still feel like a big deal?

It certainly does. I’m feel gin good but it’s a way different kind of show for me. So ready to swing for the fences.

If audiences leave Skinned Knees thinking about one thing, what would you like it to be?

My first reaction to this question is that it’s sincere and very funny. Secondly that they would recommend it to other people.

Shane Torres: Skinned Knees will be performed at 8:50pm at Assembly Roxy from 5^th – 30^th August.

Booking link: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/shane-torres