Rich Hardisty: To talk about the worst parts of your life and get laughter is very healing

Welcome to our Fringe Debuts 2022 series, where comedians taking their first show to Edinburgh Fringe will give you a little taster of what to expect, an insight into their world, or really super weird musings on something equally bizarre — to be honest, we just let them run with it. If you’re readying yourself for a giant lol injection in August, now’s your chance to find something NEW to add to your list.

Rich Hardisty is performing Silly Boy, a show about the interesting and sometimes shocking things his brain is capable of doing (whether he wants it to or not). Here he tells us more about the show and talking about the darkness.

In a nutshell, Silly Boy is about my SILLY life and my SILLY brain and why I am the way I am. I talk about the things I’ve gone through and what I've learned from those experiences that have helped me that I think might be of some value. It’s about how my brain and mental illness affect me and all of the strange funny situations I've landed in because of it.

I’ve had quite an extraordinary life and I wanted to try and make people FEEL what it’s like to be me. I hope people don’t go “sigh mental health” because I promise It will not be like anything you’ve seen before. The reactions so far have honestly blown my mind. Simon Amstell said it’s "Much more than funny... but also very funny" which is lovely!!

My aim with the show was to talk about some of the darkest parts of my life but make it as funny and silly and joyous as possible, and from the reactions so far I appear to have succeeded — but I guess you’ll be the judge :)

I wrote it because, on a selfish personal level, I wanted people to understand me and why I am the way I am. It really has been very cathartic doing this show. To talk about the worst parts of your life and get a roar of laughter is very healing.

I also always worry I might be misunderstood, so I wanted to create a show so hopefully no one will ever misunderstand me ever again.

And if anyone is thinking “urgh, mental health it all sounds a bit depressing”, don’t worry. I mean, I do talk about some heavy stuff…but the show is very light hearted and upbeat because that is my nature. I am not a heavy person and I wanted the show to reflect me and for you to have the same feeling you would if you met me in real life.

The one thing I am most proud of is that It seems to be resonating with people from all walks of life. You DON’T have to care or know anything about mental health to get this show. If you do that’s great obviously. But if not, don't worry. I’ve been told by various punters that it’s very warm and inclusive and giving…which makes me very happy.

Rich Hardisty: Silly Boy runs from 3-29th Aug, 4:30pm, at the Pleasance. Tickets here

Rich is on Instagram at @rich_hardisty and Twitter at @@richardhardisty