The pressures of modern life and the concept of “tradwives” are the theme of comedian Kate-Lois Elliott’s new work-in-progress show, which is debuting at this year’s Faversham Fringe. With various award nominations under her belt, Kate-Lois is no stranger to the comedy circuit, having previously had a sell-out show at the Edinburgh Fringe and toured the country. I recently had the chance to ask the performer some questions about ‘Trad’ and find out what inspired her to create such a topical show.
How did you get into comedy, writing and performance?
I wish I could give you a more interesting answer here, but I have always wanted to perform and write, which is why I went to drama school. I love storytelling. I think at its core, it’s what helps us evolve, and comedy is the Trojan Horse that tricks us into seeing the world from a different angle. I discovered standup about 6 years ago when I tried to write a one-woman show, and a friend told me I should have a crack at an open mic. I’ve tried other jobs over the years, ones that might be more lucrative – and believe me, I have tried – but I’ve always come back to this. Alas, I’m stuck here!
With a sold-out show in Edinburgh and tour under your belt, what made you decide to head to Faversham this year with ‘Trad (WIP)’?
Ah yes, a new work in progress that isn’t quite finished! I don’t really know what possessed me to do it all over again, Kat. I guess, when I’m interested in something, I dig deep, and Tradwives are such a fascinating, terrifying subject. I guess I wanted to start writing about them, and here we are!
In ‘Trad’, you “unpack the contradictions of modern life, the pressure to do it all (and enjoy it)”. What inspired you to explore these themes?
At its core, the show is about how I want to have a nice, balanced life as a thirty-something freelancer with an arts degree, but it’s also about my fascination with Trad Wives.
I love-hate these videos of women in gingham (probably) showing you their homemade sourdough bread, or in more extreme cases, how they make beef tacos from scratch by picking corn and slaughtering a cow (this is a real video). They present this perfect life as stay-at-home mums, even though their social media career is probably making them a pretty hefty living.
That idea of the Traditional Wife has now been co-opted by some pretty extreme people online, people who would have women be submissive to their husbands, which is not something I support. But if you take all that extremism away, and make the choice to maybe focus more on family, friends and home life in a less extreme sense, and less on capitalistic values, maybe that’s OK?
I don’t know. I think, a long time from now, someone much smarter than me will write a thesis on the phenomenon of Tradwives and what it says about society. I haven’t figured out which (if any) bits about it are helpful yet, so that’s why I’m writing the show.
Who is the show aimed at?
I think anyone who is trying to figure out how to do it all, and well. Anyone who is thinking about leaving the city. Anyone who’s burnt out and wishes they could just delete Instagram for good. Anyone who is/wants to be/doesn’t want to be a parent. Anyone who likes fun comedy anecdotes about history. Anyone who fancies setting up a woodland colony with me… come find me after and we can swap email addresses.
With this being a WIP (work in progress) performance, how will you continue to develop the show after Faversham?
I’m very excited about this WIP because, for the first time, I’m experimenting with music. I’m a professional singer, and comedy took off so quickly for me when I started that I never had a real opportunity to integrate this into my last show. I’m working with the phenomenal Katie Pritchard to write some songs, and there will be at least one in this WIP at Faversham. So I’m excited about that!
What are you most looking forward to performing at “Kent’s friendliest fringe festival” this year?
I performed an early iteration Gentrif*cked (my first ever WIP) at Faversham Fringe in 2022. The show sold out, even though I was relatively new back then, and the crowd were so lovely! I have such fond memories of the festival, and I can’t wait to go back and try out this new idea there, this time at The Alex, which has hosted some pretty phenomenal acts over the years.
Watching Kate-Lois Elliott at this year’s Faversham Fringe
It is exciting to learn that Kate-Lois is once again debuting a new show at Faversham. As an almost-thirty something I am totally intrigued by the concept and think it will make a really relevant and insightful piece of stand-up in 2025. You can catch the show at the Alexander Centre (Jubilee Room) on Friday 10th October 2025, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
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