From Open Mic to American Fetish: Anaïs Gralpois on Edinburgh Fringe, Identity and Stand-Up

5thingstodotoday

10 months ago

French-American comedian Anaïs Gralpois brings her storytelling style of stand-up to the Edinburgh Fringe with American Fetish, a show packed with heart, humour, and late-night chaos. We caught up with her ahead of the festival for a quick-fire round of 17 questions on gigs, heckling, and why she’s treating Edinburgh like a job—not a party.

About the Show: American Fetish

Anaïs Gralpois didn’t ask to be the British male fantasy—but she’s milking it. In her electric Fringe debut, American Fetish, Anaïs turns the spotlight on what it means to be desired for all the wrong reasons. Drawing from her sex life in her twenties, she delivers a confessional, sharp, and deeply funny hour that unpacks fetishisation, hookup culture, and how far one might go to feel wanted.

Combining the narrative flair of Mike Birbiglia with the unfiltered honesty of Nikki Glaser, Anaïs asks the bold question: Can you shag people to give yourself identity?

Following the success of her one-woman show The Six Stages of a Break-Up (which earned an international debut at the New York Theatre Festival), American Fetish marks her official stand-up comedy debut. Expect big laughs, no-nonsense storytelling, and a good dose of emotional chaos.

Q&A with Anaïs Gralpois

When did you first try stand-up comedy?
In late 2019, at an open mic night during my time at LAMDA.
What got you back into it after your break?
After a rough time during COVID, my flatmate told me to stop moping and sign up for something—so I signed up for an open mic.
How do you prepare for a gig?
Bullet points only—I’m an actor, so I memorise the order but like to stay present and improvise.
Do you adjust depending on the audience?
Yes, definitely. I keep the plan in my head but respond to the energy in the room and any shout-outs.
You became an MC quite early—how?
About three or four months in, I hosted at South Kensington Comedy Club. I’ve always been good at reading a room.
Your Edinburgh slot is 10:40pm—any worries?
It’s a lively hour, so I’m preparing for all kinds of audience energy. But I’m also promoting it to attract the right crowd.
Will your show evolve during the run?
Definitely. I did a short Brighton run and tweaked it already. I’ll make small changes as I go.
How do you handle heckling?
If it’s disruptive, I shut it down. But if someone’s just a bit lively, I’ll try to steer it gently and keep the vibe good.
What’s the show about—does it have a story?
Yes! I love storytelling comics like Mike Birbiglia. The show has punchlines, but also an emotional arc and a structured narrative.
Do you draw from previous material?
Yes, I’ve expanded on jokes that already work, turning them into bigger story moments.
Who are your biggest comedy influences?
Mike Birbiglia, Nikki Glaser, and Daniel Sloss.
Are you based in London? Do you gig there often?
Yes, mostly in London. I took a break to write the show but still pop up at nights run by friends.
Do you keep notes all the time?
Always. Notes app, physical notebooks—ideas from my life, my friends, my emotions.
How did you get your Fringe venue?
I applied, pitched the show (even though it wasn’t finished), and was lucky to be accepted.
Do you aim for reviews?
It would be nice, but I care more about the audience enjoying the show. Reviews are just a bonus.
Do you think about ‘Fringe Joke of the Year’?
Not really. My material’s more story-driven than one-liners.
What’s your plan while in Edinburgh?
It’s a marathon—not a party. I want to see as many shows as I can but stay focused, healthy and on top form.