Comedian Kat Higgins chats to Pepper&Salt about making her Edinburgh Fringe debut this year with her show, In Memory of Me, writing about long-term grief in comedy and canonisation.
How would you summarise your show?
The show is about how we remember people- me, because I love attention, my family, cause they made me that way, and my brother Mike cause he died. I’m not an angel, but neither is he, and he doesn’t get a pass just because he died.
Over the course of your writing process, how have you balanced the fundamental nature of a stand-up comedy set with your chosen subject matter?
I think there is always a lot of humour to be found in honesty, and this shows my honest experience of growing up with three brothers, being raised Catholic, and what it’s like to lose a sibling. Of course, talking about such a heavy subject on stage required a bit of work to ensure I could do so without the audience losing confidence in me being able to make them laugh through it. But I have had the chance to work out some of the kinks in previews- it’s required a lot of different versions to try and strike the right balance, but hopefully I have achieved it.
Is there any specific cultural context that you would like to use this space to explain ahead of your show?
The show is mainly about my experience of growing up with three brothers in the countryside of Ireland, being raised Catholic and what it’s like to try to be the favourite child when one of your siblings is a literal angel. It touches on sibling dynamics, grief, and how we choose to remember people after they’re gone. I think being Catholic, having brothers, or having lost a loved one is all some context that would help people relate to the material.
What would you say is the main throughline that binds this hour together?
The main through line is that people aren’t really ever perfect but we should celebrate all of them- even the gritty parts anyway.
Was there a working title of your show, and if so, what was it?
It was always In Memory of Me– I knew from the start I wanted the show to be about memorializing people and would talk about Catholicism, so it just popped into my head and I always knew it would be the title.
“I also like to remember that as stand-ups we’re in the service industry- people are using the scarce money they have to pay to have a laugh and enjoy some levity, and it’s my job to ensure they get what they paid for- with the caveat that people’s tastes vary wildly.”
What was the inspiration behind this hour and why did you choose these topics for your debut?
I wanted to talk about the experience of sibling loss and what it’s like to live with long-term grief. I’ve seen several shows discuss the theme of loss and grief but I hadn’t seen sibling loss discussed- and I think its a unique experience. Of course, I love my brother, but I also found him annoying and mean, and we fought all the time – its not that we had a bad relationship, we were just siblings, that’s how it is. And I wanted to explore and express that.
How would you describe your approach to comedy?
That hard to answer cause I would honestly say I approach it in 2 different ways. I view it as an art form and a craft, where you cause use humour and comedy to say things that are otherwise hard to say or taboo subjects. But I also like to remember that as stand-ups we’re in the service industry- people are using the scarce money they have to pay to have a laugh and enjoy some levity, and it’s my job to ensure they get what they paid for- with the caveat that people’s tastes vary wildly and not everything is for everyone. But I like to use that mindset to ensure I keep the audience centred in my approach- because without them I don’t get to do what I love to do.
How did you find your comedic ‘voice’?
Trial and error for sure- I think a lot of people try out a lot of styles and approaches when starting out but honestly, I think my “voice” is fairly similar to my own just heightened. I found storytelling the most natural form of stand up for me, and I couldn’t talk about my experiences and life without it feeling connected to me in some way.
If you don’t mind spoiling, is there a moment or joke that doesn’t land 100% of the time but you’ve kept for yourself?
I call my brother a prick for not chipping in for my dad’s 70th birthday present just because he’s dead- it tends to either hit or die, but I love it. Also- it’s true, didn’t contribut a penny.
If you were to be canonised, what would it be for?
Being canonised is literally this Catholic, attention-seeking girl literal DREAM. I think if there was one thing, it would be never letting men know peace. My brothers, my dad, my ex’s- all of them take a (well-earned) hit in this show, and I’m fine with that!
What are you looking forward to about your Edinburgh Fringe debut?
I’m honestly so excited to get to perform my show every day. Performing stand up is my favroutie thing to do so getting to dedicate a whole month to it is so exciting, and I’m certain it will only make me a better comic.
Is there anything that you would like to add that I haven’t asked or that you haven’t been able to fit into an answer?
I would say to people coming to the fringe to support the smaller and Free Fringe venues. We all know the cost of doing the Fringe has become outrageous, and I know acts and artists are doing the best that they can to combat it, but nothing is more powerful than profit. Don’t just rely on the big 4 venues to go find a show- although all are hosting amazing shows. Ensure you make the effort to see a show at Free Fringe and Hoots- back your own taste and take a punt on something you think looks good.
By Katerina Partolina Schwartz
Photo Credit: Andy Hollingworth
Pepper & Salt 
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