HAVING recently packed up her wares to head back to London after her fourth full-length show, Angry Young Woman, Edinburgh comedian Eleanor Morton rounded off her Fringe stint by interviewing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Here’s how an average day shapes up for her …
I TRY to wake up for 8am/8.30am every morning, which isn’t always easy when you’re the only one who cares if you’re late to work. I usually spend about 20 minutes scrolling through my phone mindlessly, a habit I need to break because there is usually something depressing or scary going on to worry about. I should get a separate alarm clock instead of my phone.
I do yoga every morning but not because I’m a spiritual sun child who has amazing self-discipline, but rather because I have OCD and if I don’t do it I’ll freak out. If I’m feeling productive I’ll do an hour but if not I’ll just do 10 minutes – a nice little stretch every morning is surprisingly effective at helping you not have a breakdown.
I normally go to a cafe to work because sitting at home makes me feel too relaxed and distracted. Lots of comedians I know go to lovely independent coffee shops, but I prefer Cafe Nero because I feel less guilty for taking up their space. There’s usually lots of people in there on their laptops, doing some sort of freelance or self-run business work.
I usually put off actually writing for as long as possibly – I’ll do emails, admin, invoices; anything to avoid actually doing something important. I put on one of those weather apps so it sounds like a rain storm because it helps me focus and because London is a disgusting dust bowl and rain is a rare treat for someone from further north.
I can focus quite well on two things at once so sometimes I’ll listen to my favourite serial killer podcast whilst I’m chasing someone for money.
Normally I tutor late afternoon after school. I teach English and History mostly. I’m terrible at proper nine-to-five jobs so I was massively relieved when I found out I really enjoyed tutoring and might actually be able to keep doing it. The main downside is the travel but it’s really not much of a downside for a job where I get paid to bang on about the welfare reform bills and Macbeth.
If I’m not gigging or going out I tend to tidy the flat because I find it weirdly relaxing to keep busy. I’ve been trying recently to go to bed earlyish every night and not take my laptop into my bedroom, which doesn’t always work.
If I am gigging I’ll head into town and usually eat something cheap and unhealthy on the way.
If I’m doing stand-up I’ll beg to be on early so I can shoot off because I’m a weakling who can’t stay awake past 11, but if I’m doing stuff like sketch nights or silly nights with friends I might hang around a bit longer. You’re always full of adrenaline after a good gig so you have to try and channel it wisely (ie not just drink).
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