Andrew Doyle talks to HeraldScotland about the lure of hedonism, recapturing lost youth and performing for Bobby Crush.
Tell us about your Fringe show
It's about tolerance, and our inability to tolerate intolerance in our rapidly growing "culture of offense". People think they have the right to silence those who might offend them, and it's mostly people on the left who are guilty. They really should move to North Korea and be done with it.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The thing I enjoy most is being able to play to a crowd night after night for a whole month. And I'm the only one on stage, of course, which does wonders for my ego.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The lure of hedonism. I've brought my Rosary beads to defend myself.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This is the seventh year that I've performed at the Fringe. It's my third solo show, but I've also been in compilations shows, a play and a sketch show.
Favourite Fringe venue?
I'm in Stand IV this year, which is my favourite so far. It's intimate, but you can generate a lively atmosphere. And in previous years I've performed in caves which are just so unhygienic.
Best Fringe memory?
Performing in my first play. I was practically a child. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. But it was wonderful. In a sense, every festival since has been a desperate futile attempt to recapture my lost youth.
Best heckle?
They're mostly incoherent, so it's difficult to say.
Craziest on stage experience?
Suddenly realising that Bobby Crush was in the audience. That kind of thing can take you back rather.
What's on your rider?
Oh, the usual. Courvoisier, beluga caviar, narcotics, handsome uninhibited men in tight shorts. I don't actually get any of those things, but I do ask.
How do you wind down after a show?
I try to get hold of the items I put on my rider.
What do you love about Scotland?
The weather.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The National Monument of Scotland. It's the unfinished attempt to recreate the Parthenon at the top of Calton Hill. I love that they only finished a bit of it and got bored. It says something about the stamina and dedication of the Scots.
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Dabbled in incest.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Jokes about kilts and haggis. Obviously.
Favourite joke?
One of Kenneth Williams' - "Specialisation means that everyone becomes better and better at less and less and eventually someone will be superb at f**k-all".
See Andrew Doyle - Zero Tolerance at The Stand 4 during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 24th August. For more information visit www.thestand.co.uk.
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