Timmy Booth is a comedian from North Carolina now based in Seattle. After performing as a stand-up since 2008, he added a loop pedal to his act in 2021, which he says was the necessary spark to ‘light his comedy fart’. 2024 sees his making his Fringe debut with ‘Manhole’. We spoke to Timmy about the show, overcoming social awkwardness, and hotboxing himself gigging in Washington State. 

Can you tell us about ‘Manhole’?

I’ve been performing some really exciting and fun comedy with my loop pedal for the past two years, and ‘Manhole’ is that in Fringe format. Okay. I’ve never been to Fringe. This is my debut, and it’s what I think people there will dig it.  When I looked at all my best material, I noticed a theme: most of it’s about masculinity, manliness, and how I often lack both of those things. So the real arc of the show is me examining the men in my life that led me to be who I am.

For anyone who might be new to you, could you describe your approach to comedy?

I like to keep things loose, but then have really strong bits to back it up. Here in Seattle, half the time I’m writing new things, half the time I’m trying to say them in more and more engaging ways. When COVID restrictions started lifting, I wanted to dip my toe back into producing. And so, I found myself hosting a Tuesday open mic, which can honestly be a real drag. To keep things interesting for me I brought a loop pedal and that has really helped me stay in that loose style without the natural charisma of like a Rory Scovel.

You’ve been a stand-up since 2008, how have you developed and grown as a comedian in that time, beside the addition of the loop pedal?

I started at my University. There was a contest with a $150 prize. I watched my freshman year and thought, ‘I think I could do this.’  One year of writing jokes (no performing) and I was shaking my first time onstage. Performance-wise, I shake less now that’s for sure. I’ve tried to weaponize that initial awkwardness to take audiences by surprise. My one month stint in the Seattle Comedy Competition a couple of years ago sort of melted my brain, and I think I’m still recovering, but I think the varying set lengths of that contest helped me learn to build out jokes, condense them, and then build them out again.

Who are your comedy heroes, and how have they influenced you?

During that year between 2007 and 2008 where I was writing for the stage, but not performing, I watched Zack Galifianakis’ Live at the Purple Onion (Netflix’s first special). It opened me up to that style of relaxed delivery with sharp material I still try and emulate today. So far I’ve only mentioned dudes from the Carolinas. Sorry about that. I also really look up to and take pieces from Maria Bamford’s frenetic honesty, Patti Harrison’s all-consuming vision, Ron Lynch and Emmet Montgomery’s inventive madness/community building, and Ron Funches’ sheer delightfulness.

You must have some stories to tell after 16 years in the business. What’s the weirdest gig you’ve ever played?

Ever since weed has been fully legal here in Washington State, there have been shows that use it as a gimmick. Do a set sober, come back, do a set high. I really like to take advantage of the high set to get extra loose and weird, because failure is kind of the goal. The audience wants you to stumble around mentally. I usually enjoy these, but I was booked on one in Bellingham: The unofficial stoner capital of this stoner state. The venue was sort of a private club, and when I arrived I realized people were allowed inside, and were doing so happily. The whole place was basically a hot box within minutes of showtime. I’m a lightweight so my sober set wasn’t very sober at all. The crowd struggled to stay with us. It was a mess.

‘Manhole’ is your debut hour. What are your hopes and expectations for the month?

I’d like to just live in it you know? Edinburgh Fringe! Even in North Carolina, I’d heard whispers of this festival since the early days of my comedy journey. I’ve never been to the festival so I’m really trying to set my expectations low, but my efforts high. Will anyone come out? I hope so! Killer reviews? I’ll allow myself to dream…

Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to (or dreading) about the Fringe?

I’m anxious in social situations, so I hope the flyering part goes all right. I even put a disclaimer/joke about how brave I am for putting myself out there on the back, to remind myself it’s okay. I’m very excited to dive in and watch a million shows and go home exhausted.

Beside ‘Manhole’ can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?

I am on ‘Crosswords‘, a show in which I will be completing a crossword puzzle with the audience on August 5th. I will be performing on two ‘Fast Fringe’ shows. And you will often find me at my friend Andrew Frank’s nightly ‘Mish Mash‘ show at St. Steven’s Theatre 20:00.

Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?

You know I have to… Gabey Lucas! She shouted me out on this very website, and I shall do the same. I’ve known Gabey for a long time and ran tech for a preview of hers here. Her ‘A Berkshire Boar Walks Into a Bar (and Gets Shot in the Face)‘ is a blend of history and comedy and it’s lovely. All of Andrew Frank’s three shows will be worth your time. I’m particularly excited to see their ‘Pastor‘ character bring the word of Jesus to the patrons of The Keller every day at 13:00. Besides that, you all probably know better than me. Let me know!

‘Timmy Booth’s Manhole‘ is at Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just the Wee One from Thu 1 Aug to Sun 25 Aug 2024 (except Mon 12)