Liz Guterbock is an American comedian and actor based in the UK. She tours all over the country, bringing some Californian sunshine to the UK circuit. Following a work-in-progress run in 2022, she brings her debut full-length ‘Geriatric Millennial’ to Edinburgh for 2023. We spoke to Liz about her show, the expectations on women over 40, and the osmotic British knowledge of late-’90s pop stalwarts.
Can you tell us about ‘Geriatric Millennial’?
Of course! I’ll try to contain my American enthusiasm while I do it… but I’ve already lost the battle with that exclamation mark after “of course.” Oops. Anyway, this is my first hour long comedy show, and I’m so excited to be making my debut at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Geriatric Millennial’ tackles the big questions: Do women really become invisible after the age of 40? Does not wanting kids make you a monster? Can a sandwich from Marks & Spencer really define your identity? Whether you’re offended by the term or not, (coined by Erica Dhawan in her 2021 article for Medium), Geriatric Millennial has a duality to it – we’re old and young at the same time. And at the age of 41, that’s how I feel! Ultimately, ‘Geriatric Millennial’ is a show for anyone who is cool with women getting older, silly voices, and sincerity (but not too much for UK tastes).
The show is based around different aspects of your identity. As a dual-national, to what extent have you retained your American identity, and how much have you adjusted to living in Britain? And just how much difference is there between the two countries anyway?
I feel like I’ve adjusted pretty well to living in the UK while retaining a lot of my American identity – for instance, I still have an instinctual patriotic desire for a Costco hotdog on the 4th of July, but I now know how to use the word ‘sorry’ in one hundred different ways with one hundred different meanings like a proper British person. On the surface, the major differences between the US and UK are in their size, history, and which side of the road we drive on. The more subtle differences are that in the UK you must end every text message with an ‘x’ or the person on the other end of the phone will think you’re mad at them, and nearly every person in the UK, no matter their age, from the burliest builder to the wealthiest Royal can name every member of Steps.
This is your debut Fringe show. What are your hopes and expectations for August?
It’s very exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. My hope for August is that I enjoy performing my show for new people every day, and that I come away from it feeling like I gave every show, and every audience, no matter how big or small, my very best. My expectation for August is that I’ll come home very exhausted, but very proud of myself for even daring to attempt to launch a comedy career at the age of 41, let alone at one of the biggest festivals in the world!
You performed a work-in-progress version of the show at the Fringe in 2022. How valuable was the experience, and to what extent has it evolved over the last year?
It was so valuable to do the work-in-progress last year. The obvious reason is because it taught me to hold the stage for a lot longer than I’m used to and it helped me regain my social stamina after the pandemic. But the most valuable thing it taught me is that every audience member matters. Even if just one person comes to the show, they showed up to watch you – and that’s a gift. The Fringe is a great ego buster. It made me realise that performing is not about me – it’s about the audience and making sure I give them my best every single time. Over the last year, the show has evolved to become more about self-acceptance and sharing who I am instead of just being on stage cracking jokes. I’m hoping to connect with people, especially women who are my age who may feel like they’re lost, overlooked, or ‘past it’. Baby, we’re all just getting started.
Beside ‘Geriatric Millennial’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?
I’ll be doing shorter spots around the Fringe for sure, but otherwise I’ll be back in my accommodation eating pasta and watching soothing things like Monster’s Inc.
Apart from your show, what else are you looking forward to (or even perhaps dreading) about the Fringe?
I’m looking forward to eating at Hula (probably the only reason any comedians eat any vegetables while they’re at the Fringe), going to see my friends and their lovely shows, and breathing in that fresh Scottish air. I’m dreading the sore feet from walking around the beautiful city of Edinburgh – but I’m going to love being there for the month!
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?
I’m looking forward to seeing Mary O’Connell’s show ‘Money Princess’ – she’s so fun and just so in her power. Also, the amazing and unbelievably stylish Alex Haddow is making her debut this year. Both Mary and Alex are going to be household names soon. Matty Hutson is both funny and has a gorgeous voice, so don’t miss that powerhouse combo. And Rob Copland is doing a cheeky run from the 5th-15th at Banshee Labyrinth’s Chamber Room as art of the PBH Free Fringe. His show ‘Mainstream Muck‘ last year was one of my favourite shows of the Fringe – so catch Rob again this year for sure. He’s such a talent.
‘Geriatric Millennial’ runs from Wed 2 to Sun 27 Aug 2023 (except Mon 14 and Mon 21) at Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar at 16:15