Tegan Verheul is heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her new show, Chokeslam. Ahead of her show we got the chance to have a catch up, see what she had to say below.
1. Thanks for your time Tegan, let’s talk about Chokeslam then. What can you tell us about the show?
Thank you for chatting with me! Chokeslam is a solo show about my love of pro-wrestling. It’s one third Wrestling 101, one third oral history of the Attitude Era, and one third me spilling my deepest darkest secrets. It’s storytelling and not standup, and I’d say I’m pretty balls-to-the-wall in terms of energy and physicality. Plus there’s a dance number!
2. You’re showcasing Chokeslam at Edinburgh Fringe. How important is Edinburgh Fringe for a comedian like yourself?
Edinburgh Fringe is huge for comedians! The friends I made last year have been such a huge reason why I’ve seen any success in comedy in the UK. As much as it’s about the shows and exposure, it’s also about finding lovely supportive people chasing the same silly dream as you, and building that community.
3. The show delves into one of your other passions, wrestling. How did you get into wrestling and what is it you love about the sport?
It happened suddenly and without warning, like a flash flood, ten years ago. I was a late bloomer! Now I love everything about it, from the storylines to the athleticism, but what really sets wrestling apart for me is how participatory it is for fans—every time I’m at a show I’m screaming, cheering, booing… it’s great.
4. How challenging was it to combine both worlds into one comedy show?
Surprisingly easy? If you know me, you know I get extremely animated about wrestling whenever I talk about it. The thought of getting to talk about my favourite moments in wrestling for a full hour, and to get other people as excited about it as I am, made writing this show a breeze. Honestly the hardest part was deciding what to leave out.
5. Wrestling is full of huge personalities and characters. Who was it that made the biggest impact on you as a newcomer to the sport and why?
My first favourite wrestler was Nikki Bella. I know that’s not a cool answer, and my tastes have evolved since then, but I still think the Rack Attack is a sick move and I loved seeing a woman in the ring with that amount of strength. Honestly, I don’t think Nikki Bella gets enough credit.
6. How much of an impact on the rest of your life has wrestling had?
Immeasurable impact. Becoming a wrestling fan has changed my life in some pretty dramatic ways, which (no spoilers, I promise!) I do talk about in my show. It’s given me so much, and it’s become a huge part of the work I get as an entertainer. While completely unexpected, I’m very grateful for it.
7. You must have tonnes of personal wrestling stories/experiences. Is there one that sticks out which you can share with us?
I mean there’s one pretty major one, but you’ll have to see the show to find out. The second most memorable wrestling experience I’ve had is the time my friend peed next to Dolph Ziggler at a urinal. Which I guess technically didn’t happen to me, but it feels like it did.
8. As a writer who is passionate about wrestling, how rewarding is it for you to see non-wrestling fans enjoying what you talk about?
It is the best part of my day! Genuinely, it brings me so much joy when someone comes up to me after seeing Chokeslam to tell me it’s made them want to get into wrestling, or get back into wrestling if they stopped watching it. It’s why I do this show.
9. Just for fun, if you could take on your favourite wrestler in a bout, who would you fight and how would you beat them?
For the record, I have zero desire to wrestle professionally. I’m incredibly risk-averse. But I would happily face my fear if I got put in a ring with Randy Orton. I’d make him pick me up and bicep curl me until he collapsed of exhaustion. Then I’d spoon him triumphantly.
10. Thanks for your time Tegan, good luck with the show. For someone who isn’t a wrestling fan but loves comedy, do you want to do a bit of a sales pitch to wrap up?
I promise I’m dumb enough you’ll laugh at me no matter what. I’ll probably fall down at least once. Also, while this show is about wrestling (and I’ve got a Wrestling 101 section where I educate non-fans so they don’t feel left in the dark!) Chokeslam explores wider themes of love, loss, and friendship that are universal.
Chokeslam by Tegan Verheul is on at 5.50pm at Assembly George Square from the 31st July – 25th August. Tickets here
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