/ Don't hate the media, become the media.
Jello Biafra

Bella Humphries: Square Peg – Hotly anticipated stand-up debut about family, farmers and finding out that being yourself is really hard work! ​

​

Hi Bella, thank you for taking the time to talk with TNC ahead of the Fringe, how does it feel to be bringing your debut hour to the Fringe this summer?

So incredibly exciting and a real, real privilege. This has been years in the making for me so I can’t quite believe it’s almost here!

Are there any nerves ahead of the festival?

Are you kidding me?! Absolutely there are. I am a human jelly currently and I can’t see that changing until I’ve at least done the first show. 

What does Edinburgh Fringe mean to you?

For the last year it has felt like every fibre of my being has been infiltrated by the Fringe. It has been everything. But I think that’s because it means so much to me. The show is so personal, I’m so proud of what I’ve created and I really can’t wait to share it with people. 

What’s been your favourite comment/quote you’ve gotten for your comedy?

I recently had a man tell me “that’s the most I’ve ever heard about periods in one go” after a preview. I was pretty proud about that stat! 

Can you tell me a little bit about how Square Peg came about?

I got diagnosed with PMDD in 2021 and was having some counseling to help me manage it. My counselor suggested that maybe I could write some standup about it as it might help me come to terms with my feelings about it. So I started talking about it on stage and got such a lovely reception I thought “I’m going to write a show about this”. 

When writing Square Peg how self reflecting did you allow yourself to get?

Because the show is about some of the darker moments of my life I had actually done most of the self reflection prior to writing the show. Which I think stood me in good stead really. I was able to be a bit more objective and find the funny in it, rather than getting too sentimental. 

If you could describe your show in three words what would they be?

Honest, angry, hilarious. 

"Keeping it fresh throughout the run is super important so yes, I do allow myself some flexibility."

What would you say have been the most interesting things you’ve discovered about yourself in the process of bringing Square Peg to the stage?

 

Probably that I’m actually a lot angrier than I ever realised before! But it’s been so much fun to channel that into my jokes. 

 

When a show is running do you allow yourself much flexibility with your material?

 

That’s the best bit! Keeping it fresh throughout the run is super important so yes, I do allow myself some flexibility. If something happens in the room I want to be able to reference it and not have it derail me. And it makes the audience feel like the show they’ve seen is just for them which I absolutely love!

 

Do you have any routines or superstitions before you head out on stage?

 

In all honesty I’m not very superstitious. So I mainly just sit backstage questioning why on earth I put myself through all the stress and the nerves right up until I get on the stage. Then that all melts away. 

 

Where did your passion for comedy come from?

 

I’ve always enjoyed watching comedy but after watching a very early WIP of a Sara Pascoe show in 2017, it sparked something in me to give it a go myself. That and growing up in a big family, where being the funniest person in the room is a competitive sport! 

 

And finally, what would you like your 2024 Fringe audiences to take away from Square Peg?

 

I would love for people to learn a little bit about PMDD, which they may never have heard of before,  but also have had a bloody good time doing it! Laughing and learning - the dream combo.