DIONA DOHERTY, GET YOUR PINK BACK returns to Edinburgh this year with her new show.

Is this your first time at Edinburgh Fringe?

No I have been to the Ed Fringe a few tiems in a sketch group, and I also met my husband there 12 years ago. He is also a comedian. So the Edinburgh fringe holds a very dear place in my heart. It’ll possibly hold a traumatic place in my heart if we ever divorce. Watch this space.

How long have you been preparing your show for Edinburgh?

Since last Edinburgh fringe. I went over for a few days and did a few shows and watched a few other fantastic comedians and was truly inspired to make this show the best it could be.

What is your motivation to perform there?

It’s the best tradeshow there is for us comedians. I’m throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this one. I want it to be worth it as I’m leaving my kids in Northern Ireland for the month. With their Dad, not on their own… yet. I want to make sure that I feel like I put everything into making this show as good as it can be and have no regrets otherwise leaving my kids for that length of time will have been in vain. Coming from, and living in, Northern Ireland, it can be hard to get those bookers, producers, and commissioners from the UK in front of you and so this is the best opportunity to do that for me.

What have you done to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, emotionally and physically?

I’ve been working the hell out of the show doing lots of WIPs. I’m trying to prepare emotionally to be without my kids which I know will be tough. The show is all about finding out who I am as a person on my own, after becoming a mum and so going away to the fringe almost feels even part of that process. There’s a line or two at the end of the show where I reflect on having ‘got my pink back or not’ and I know as we get further into the fringe I’ll maybe find that one a little bit more difficult to deliver. Physically, I’m running six marathons a day between now and August.

Have you had any advice from others who have performed at the Fringe?

My husband has done it quite a few times. I think go easy on the pints get plenty of sleep and also… pace yourself gig-wise. Don’t start doing six spots a day because you’ll burn out quickly. I also want to see as many other acts as possible. That’s the magic of the fringe. I’m performing in Monkey Barrel (the dream) and they have some unbelievable acts performing at this fringe I cannot wait to get through them all.

Have you visited Scotland or Edinburgh before?

Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world. It’s where I met my husband and it’s where we got engaged and I hope someday it’s where we get divorced. Fun city. I find Scottish gigs to be so similar to N.I. Our humour is the same which is great. I’m regularly on the BBC Scotland radio show Breaking The News so I’m over and back quite a bit.

How have you found booking accommodation?

It’s a bit of a minefield. Lots to choose from, all very expensive. I’m lucky I’ve teamed up with a few other acts and found decent enough accommodation in the end.

What plans do you have for your show after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

I’m going to tour the whole world, twice. Maybe.

Diona Doherty’s debut stand-up show ‘Get Your Pink Back!’ will be at the Monkey Barrel 2 for the entire fringe for tickets go to

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/diona-doherty-get-your-pink-back

https://dionadoherty.co.uk/show/get-your-pink-back/

Photo credit-Khara Pringle.