Bronwyn Sweeney
BRONWYN SWEENEY is a British-born, American-presenting, London-based comedian who will travel for comedy.
In her debut hour, Funny Women finalist Bronwyn teaches audiences how to build their own personal brand in four easy steps. Part hilarious TED talk, part disappointing therapy session, should she have quit her day job to do this? You decide!
What's the most unexpected or unusual experience you've had at Fringe so far this year?
During my third show, around the halfway point, seven men got up and walked out. I had heard about walkouts happening but I didn't expect a mass exit! In the moment I couldn't believe it was happening but luckily, my show is about how to develop your brand and we happened to be talking about finding your target audience. I turned back to the remaining people in the room and said that the men who left were clearly not my target audience. It created a real bonding moment for all of us and honestly, the show went better without the guys who left.
What is the "heart" of your show, or what is the thing you're hoping the audience walks away with after seeing it?
That in a world where people are starting to refer to themselves as brands we must remember to be human. As humans we are nuanced, complex and unpredictable. There's no need to sell yourself, just be yourself.
Do you have a favorite bit, joke or moment in your show that you enjoy getting to perform the most?
I do an extended bit about death by vibrator which is so fun. I'm used to doing it in busy comedy gigs in London so it's fun to watch people react to it at 3:30 in the afternoon when my show is on.
What were you like as a kid, and how do you think your childhood influenced your interest in performing & doing comedy?
I'm a Third Culture Kid (raised in countries other than where I was born and where my parents are from) and I grew up in five different countries. I was constantly having to 'rebrand' myself at new schools to fit in or stand out. I even adopted a fake accent for a couple years once, lol. Humour has always been like armour or a way of processing my identity and the lows in life, I just figured it was better to try to make a living out of it.
Can you tell us about some other female-driven shows you've seen at Fringe this year that you would recommend checking out?
Absolutely! Here we go: Louise Atkinson, 'Mates' talks about female friendship in such an original way. Liz Guterbock 'Elder Millennial' made me feel seen. Zoe Brownstone is doing a split bill 'Tied for Second' which is so worth checking out. Lara Ricote's Work in Progress, Janine Harouni, Fiona Ridgewell, Lily Burton and for life-changing theatre that is mind-blowing and undefinable, go see Elle Dillon-Reams Honey Bee and Meat.