Clive & Robertson: US Stardom Meets Fringe Comedy Roots

Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson, lifelong friends and comedy duo Britney, have seen their careers reach new heights with major roles in US television. Clive stars as Steve Carell's daughter in HBO's 'Rooster,' while Robertson plays Rachel Weisz's daughter in Netflix's 'Vladimir.' Both smart, funny campus comedies debuted in March to enthusiastic reviews and millions of viewers.

Despite this significant professional milestone, the pair is returning to their sketch comedy origins at the Edinburgh Fringe. Their new shows, 'Holy Mackerel!' and 'Jitters,' highlight their meticulous approach to comedy. Clive describes their productions as "meticulously prepared," a testament to their quest for finding humor in unexpected places, even transforming a bizarre newspaper headline into a sketch.

Their journey began 20 years ago at an all-girls school in Oxfordshire. After years of performing together, Clive's brain tumor diagnosis led to their first Edinburgh Fringe show, 'Britney,' which was a word-of-mouth success. A subsequent revival, prompted by Clive's need for radiotherapy, caught the attention of the BBC for a pilot that ultimately did not become a series, proving to be a "tricky and strange" rejection.

Now, with 'Rooster' recommissioned and other acting projects underway, Britney remains a passion project. The duo prioritizes creating special, joyful comedy experiences for their audience, reminiscent of their early days performing together. Their current Edinburgh Fringe shows run until August 30.