Interview: Sharon Em, “I Know A Guy”
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives who are preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we dive into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.
Today we’re joined by Sharon Em who chats with us about her stand up show, I Know A Guy.
1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?
The show is called I know a Guy, its a true story. Blurb below:
Sharon could have had functioning relationships, probably. But with hindsight and a crucial piece of wisdom shared by her mother on her 30th birthday – she finds out exactly why the odds were so stacked against her. Throw a medical misdiagnosis (her mothers), a kidnapping (hers) and a fantasy movie produced by Ryanair into the mix and reality starts to get real.
‘I Know a Guy’, nominated for Best Debut (ISH/Jones Award) at Edinburgh Fringe 2024, takes a fun and light-hearted look at the things which define us and the darker stuff we would much rather ignore.
‘I Know a Guy’ is stand up comedy with a deftly woven narrative, exploring how family, culture and early bonds influence our attachments and decisions. It’s a very Irish story with a healthy side of cultural cynicism that makes audience members reveal their own deep dark almost forgotten secrets after the show... even though they were told not to, right at the start...even given a technique to keep their secrets hidden...
Drawing from a diverse array of anecdotes, the show navigates the intricacies of transforming personal stories into a shared narrative, transcending backgrounds and experiences.
2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?
It debuted last year and was nominated for Best Debut and it got some very good reviews - so I decided to bring it back this year and hopefully attract a bigger audience. I've also changed some things to improve it for this years run and I'm very excited to perform it this year.
3. How would you describe your show in three words?
Funny, engaging and quirky
4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?
I have so many audience members after the show tell me the most hilarious family stories or things they found out after someone died. The show prompts them to have those memories, which I think is lovely. Some stories I hear are not so funny - but quite moving, but nevertheless it's a moment to reflect on something personal and significant. I think that's nice. I think it makes people feel identify with the show. It's also funny so they do leave feeling good.
5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?
Bring a good, but easy to read book that has nothing to do with Fringe at all, that can help you switch off for a while. Bring a good tin opener and fitted sheet if you are staying in student accomodation! Pack stationary - blu tack/ pritt stick as these can run out in the shops just at the moment you need them!
6. Where and when can people see your show?
2nd - 24th (except Wednesdays @20:00 at Carbon Room 1 on Cowgate. It’s a lovely central location
