Luke Toulson discusses Hitler, the British weather and hecklers.
Tell us about your Fringe show
My show is based on 200 letters my Grandpa wrote to Granny while he was serving with the Royal Engineers in France and North Africa during the War. They include stories about Dunkirk, meeting the King and a drunken attempt to climb a pyramid. But primarily they represent the personal thoughts of an ordinary man during an extraordinary time.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Getting to perform a show everyday that you’ve spent a year writing.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Sacrificing the best month England has weather-wise for the best month Scotland has, is a poor exchange.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I’ve been bringing comedy shows since 2005 though I also did some student theatre at the Fringe during the late 90s.
Favourite Fringe venue?
I’m very excited to be at The Stand this year, a venue I’ve always wanted to perform at.
Best Fringe memory?
I’ve had a lot of fun at the late night ‘SPANK!’ gigs over the years.
Best heckle?
This is a real misconception about comedy. Heckles are rarely anything other than the unedited, drunken ramblings of a desperate attention-seeker, and I’m sorry, but that’s the stand-up’s job.
Craziest on stage experience?
I once fell off a stage backwards while misjudging a bit of improvisation.
What’s on your rider?
You have been grossly mislead as to the sway I have over such things.
How do you wind down after a show?
I tend to just sit down for a bit.
What do you love about Scotland?
Scottish people are generally pretty entertaining.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The scenery is never less than breath-taking.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I’ve eaten most things the Scots describe as food.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Fringe crowds are different to Scottish crowds, but anywhere in the country they just want you to be funny
Favourite joke?
The first 10 minutes of Louis CK’s Chewed Up is about as good as stand-up gets.
Luke Toulson will perform at The Stand Comedy Club 5 & 6 from August 5, 7-16 and 18-30.
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