Oscar Nominated Jena Friedman’s Fierce and Funny Take on Life After Loss

Known for her razor-sharp political satire and unflinching dark humour, Jena Friedman (The Daily Show, Letterman, Borat, The New Yorker) returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with her most personal show to date. In MOTHERF*CKER, she turns her comedy lens inward, navigating the emotional terrain of motherhood and grief. We caught up with Jena to talk about writing through pain, why British audiences are her favourite, and what keeps pulling her back to the world’s most intense arts festival.

For people who’ve never seen your work before – how would you describe the tone of MOTHERFCKER?

Hopefully funny, but it’s also dark and sad at times.

Your new show is very personal. What made you decide to turn this chapter of your life into comedy?

I talk about that a little in the show. I honestly have no idea - I think comedy is how I process things, so why not?

Motherhood and grief are both such intense topics. How do you start to write about them?

I just got onstage and started talking about it, and that’s how I found what was funny and what wasn’t. It’s a process I am still working through.

The Fringe is a famously grueling festival – what keeps you coming back to Edinburgh?

The critics! Jk. I really love everything about the festival. I love the opportunity to hone my act by performing in the same venue, multiple nights in a row. I love the audiences and their openness to dark comedy. I love getting to hang out with comedian friends from around the world and see other comedians’ shows and the whole vibe of the festival. I have also been lucky enough to not have lost money the last two times I went, so that helps sell it for sure!

You’re known for your dark humour and political edge. How does that translate to more intimate, emotional material?

I don’t know. We’ll find out!

How has becoming a mother changed your perspective, if at all?

I know this is going to sound off-brand, but I didn’t realize it would be so joyful!

You’ve performed all over the world – is there anything distinctive about British audiences?

Yes, British crowds are the best - they will reward your darkest impulses. I love it.

You’ve written for The Daily Show, Letterman, The New Yorker, and even Borat. How do those experiences differ from stand-up?

Stand-up is a lot more vulnerable and scary, especially now and especially in the U.S. I love the immediacy of the genre and the total creative control, but there are definitely trade-offs.

And finally, what’s the one thing you hope audiences take away after seeing the show?

My book that will be for sale in the lobby!

Jena Friedman will be performing MOTHERF*CKER at Monkey Barrell (The Hive) from 8th - 24th August at 4.15pm. Tickets available HERE.