Comedy / Stand-up
‘The show is about family, the Chicago Bulls and post-Soviet economic reform’
In 2014, Olga Koch’s father was stopped by authorities on the Russian border, which resulted in the most surreal year of her family’s life.
In her debut show, the 2018 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee will try to dissect this real-life spy drama with nothing but a projector and a “unique voice surely destined for stardom” (British Comedy Guide). As heard on The Now Show.
Here’s Olga to tell us more.
is needed now More than ever
So, Olga, tell us what Fight is about.
Fight is about family, the Chicago Bulls and post-Soviet economic reform.
Is the show stand-up or storytelling, or both?
I think of Fight as a multimedia extravaganza.
And who do you think the show is for?
Fight is for those who like laughing AND learning, but don’t mind a dick joke here and there. Fight is also a hit with Cold War dads.
How would you say you found a balance between telling such a personal story and adapting it for comedy?I wish there was a witty answer, but it was really about testing it in front of audiences in previews. I am so grateful to them for not laughing. They shaped Fight into what it is today.
You’ve received rave reviews. Did you know you were on to something good when previewing the show?
I was confident enough in Charlie Dinkin’s fantastic direction and the phenomenal production of Berk’s Nest to know they wouldn’t let me embarrass myself or them.
Fight was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe. How did that feel?
It was the single happiest and most important day of my life. I feel bad for my future children because I know they’ll never top it.
Has the show changed at all since you performed it at the Fringe in August?
I’ve added a couple of lines that I wish I’d thought of sooner, and a wardrobe change. Also, some of the performances in 2019 will feature a special guest whose presence is Not. To. Be. Missed.
How has your comedy been shaped or changed since you first started out?
I am comfortable being more vulnerable than ever. In practice, that just means I put everything on my Instagram stories. And I mean everything.
Do you have a career highlight so far?
San Pellegrino responded to one of my tweets (they ignored the other two).
What’s next for you, following the tour?
I am in the process of writing my second hour, which will (hopefully) be about computers and love.
Olga Koch performs Fight at Tobacco Factory Theatres on Sunday, January 20. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/olga-koch-fight
Read more: Introducing… The Cheese Comedy Club
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