Stuart Goldsmith talks to HeraldScotland about the Bongo club, a Moroccan con man and sliding down Arthur's Seat in a cardboard box that once contained haggis.
Tell us about your Fringe show
The show's called "Extra Life" and it represents the pinnacle of my ten years in stand-up comedy; my funniest, most honest and most exciting stuff about my genuine and very current struggle with the concept of parenthood.
Best thing about the Fringe?
These days the best thing about the Fringe is seeing the endless variety in style and material being created, from the UK's best innovation to the cream of the rest of the comedy world. It's inspiring and thrilling.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The worst thing about the Fringe is the year-long tension about having to go up against all these other more talented bastards, in what you briefly imagine is some sort of competition.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I've been coming to the Fringe for 20 years, man and late teenage boy.
Favourite Fringe venue?
My favourite ever venue was the old Bongo club. I once met a Moroccan con man in there, whilst stealing pint glasses to win the respect of a rancid clown. Great days.
Best Fringe memory?
I helped John Feeley stop a riot after Simon Munnery was arrested during one of Arthur Smith's late night alternative tours of the royal mile. I was about 21. It was the most exciting night of my life.
Best heckle?
There's no such thing as a "heckle"; their existence is a myth perpetuated by joyless angry drunk people. It's like saying "what's your favourite time someone keyed your car?"
What's on your rider?
A sandwich if I'm very lucky. And a ballpoint, but I usually steal them from the venue, so I don't know if that counts. Maybe they make them available for that purpose.
How do you wind down after a show? I like to drive home listening to Metallica and over-eating to a genuinely shaming degree.
What do you love about Scotland?
The passion of the people, whether for alcohol, independence, or macaroni pie. Which you may not realise is not a thing, anywhere else.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The roof of the national museum of Scotland is, ahem, "braw".
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Slid down Arthur's Seat in a cardboard box that used to contain haggis.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
If you can be rude to them in exactly the right way, they love you. But it's a horrifyingly fine line.
Favourite joke?
A skeleton walks into a bar and orders a pint of beer. And a mop.
Stuart Goldsmith's new stand up show 'Extra Life' will be at the Pleasance Courtyard from 30th July - 24th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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