Introducing rising star Alex Stringer, who makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut this year with her show ‘Happy Hour’.
Alex got sober in 2017 at 23 years old. Now eight years sober and a stand-up comedian, she talks being a flawed, non-boring, complicated sober person and invites her audience to come and spend a ‘happy hour’ with her.
In her show Alex takes the audience on a journey, from her wild drinking days, wanting to kill herself (due to the alcohol stopping working), an admission to rehab and who she is now that she is sober. Alex recalls one of her drinking memories when she was sick in a taxi, but the taxi driver, out of shock, put the windscreen wipers on. Who was the real loser she thought? Still Alex.
She discusses how she bravely went to the GP to begin to get help to be met with, the student doctor - what fun! And how she struggled to be honest about her mental illness due to her friend who had recently also been honest about her mental health, as if someone could steal someone else’s depression thunder?
Rehab wasn’t anything like Alex expected, there was an activities coordinator who made them play bingo, but they couldn’t say “line” due to it being insensitive to cocaine addicts. Instead, they had to say “a horizontal sequence of numbers”.No one asked the real question - why not just say “bingo!”?
She is unafraid to talk about self-harm and her stays in a psych ward, but she does so with a light touch. She rejects the idea of cold-water swimming, and she doesn’t like the term soft drinks.
She will poke fun at her mum who is a “live laugh love” mum and she will regale you with her dating horror stories. Because she’s not 23, and she’s learning to be 31. She’s learning what makes her tick.
The show also aims to shed a spotlight on society’s obsession with binge-drinking culture, what addiction looks like in young people and how chances for rehabilitation are even slimmer now than when Alex got sober. ‘Happy Hour’ tells one woman’s tale of drinking, getting sober and finally realising who she is, warts and all.
A multi-award winner and nominee Alex regularly performs at the Frog & Bucket, Manford’s Comedy Club, Comedy in a Van (Rob Riley), Leeds Hifi, LOL Comedy Clubs and Nodding Dog Comedy. She has been tour support for Tom Ward, Hayley Ellis and Sally Anne Hayward.
Alex Stringer will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Bunker Three from July 30 - August 24 at 6pm. Tickets here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
I’ve never done any of the above and I don’t like spinach cos I’m not Popeye. I have a big gulp of water. I’ve had some times onstage where I’ve felt like my lips have gotten stuck to my teeth and I’ve looked like I’ve been gurning which ain’t it, so the water is a must for me.
What irritates you?
Lots of stuff! People who text into radio stations. I think they belong on a register.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Been skydiving probably? Trusted my ex, definitely.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Oh I once went to put my phone on my chair on top of my coat and place a cup of tea on the table and my hands did the opposite. My coat smelled like gone off milk for ages. It was especially funny though because people I was with saw me do it & thought I’d gone mental.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The misogyny sadly. It’s 2025 kids, get a grip.
What do your parents think of your job?
They should have more opinions because they make up a lot of my act. Honestly? I think they know I’m good at it & as long as I’m paying my bills, I should do what makes me happy.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
The travel and late nights can be tiring!
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I think I’m flawed but I’m a hard worker (mostly) I’m funny but also super blessed to be able to do stand up.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Not enough! I still have another job, so I’d like to earn enough for comedy to be my only job which I don’t think is asking for much?
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Definitely, I think I’ve definitely been lucky in terms of competitions and the people who have supported me along the way and the people I have met. I think I read somewhere, it’s half about luck and half about hard work and I think that might be quite close to the truth.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?
I bloody hope the middle! I’ve self harmed previously in a mental health crisis and I find golf incredibly boring. There’s gotta be an equilibrium - please say it’s so! I also don’t think golfers “just get on with life”. They’re the extremes those two categories. Golfers are boring gets!
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
I don’t think I know anyone else? Ha! Ever is such a big word too. I love Secret Drug Addict on Twitter, I think he seems dead sound.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
I think it depends on how you view tidy. Is it like each drawer has its own purpose, like pjs, underwear etc.. or like your knickers are rolled up into a fashion? If a drawer has no purpose, that’s bananas and you should speak to someone. If you roll your knickers up into something, you should speak to someone. Maybe you’re not meant to be together chuck.
Alex Stringer will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Bunker Three from July 30 - August 24 at 6pm. Tickets here.
PICTURE CREDIT – REBECCA NEED-MENEAR
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