Erin Purghart describes her comedy style as “child star with gun”—a fitting summation for someone whose pre-show ritual involves crushing a $7 flat white, panicking in a dark corner with her joke book, then having the time of her life onstage. Influenced by Hannah Einbinder, Kate McKinnon, and Chris Fleming (who she says is so good he makes her want to quit), Purghart has built her favourite material around an incest joke she manages to get away with 100% of the time, even when family’s in the audience.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Child star with gun.
Who are some of your influences?
Hannah Einbinder, Kate McKinnon, Jay Jurden, Gianmarco Soresi, Robby Hoffman. Looks though? Mae Martin apparently.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Easy! Kate McKinnon!
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Chris Fleming. He’s so good, he makes me want to quit.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Crush a $7 flat white, panic, look at my joke book in a dark corner and then have the time of my life.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I LOVE my That’s gay! Comedy shows at Little Mountain Gallery! I have a group of older queer women who come who I would die for. If you gals are reading this, I love you.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I have a joke about incest that I love because I manage to get away with it 100% of the time (even when my family is in the audience).
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Going to live shows!!
Tell us a joke about your city.
This INFRASTRUCTURE, amirite?!
Where can we follow you?
Follow ME @erinpurghart and follow MY SHOW @thatsgaycomedy on Instagram!
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
