Ria Lina discusses Taboo Raider, riders and the Scottish sense of humour.

Tell us about your Fringe show

This year my show is called Taboo Raider, and it is exactly that. A head-on assault of some of the accepted and some of the more ridiculous taboos in society today, like how it’s rude to talk about menstruation.

So I don’t. ‘Talk’ about it that is.

Best thing about the Fringe?

The beginning. You’re fresh and ready for anything: selling a ticket, being discovered, winning an award.

Worst thing about the Fringe?

The end. You got nothing, you sold nothing, you are nothing. Why do you do this to yourself every year? Your mother was right. You have no more walls to wallpaper in leftover flyers, but who else would want to live here? So tired...

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

My first Edfringe was 2000, and I’ve been seven times between then and now.

Favourite Fringe venue?

No brainer. Mine (Stand 2).

Best Fringe memory?

Getting nominated for the Perrier (Foster) Award… oh hang on, was that a dream? I definitely got nominated for the Amused Moose LAughter Award for my show last year. That was a really nice surprise as I’d never been nominated for anything before.

Best heckle?

“Show us your penis!”

Craziest on stage experience?

Ever? I once asked if anyone was single and a young lad came bounding onstage. He thought I wanted someone. He started taking off his t-shirt to show me his wares and security didn’t do a thing. How desperate did I look?

What’s on your rider?

An audience. That’s probably the only deal-breaker for me. I won’t go on stage without it. But also a masseur called Pier-Paulo, a manicurist for my pomeranian, the dressing room has to be painted in ecru and  heliotrope stripes, and the water has to come out of the taps at exactly 25℃.

Oh, and I’m quite partial to a can of coke, but I don’t like taking the piss.

How do you wind down after a show?

At Edfringe, there is usually another show to do after your show ad infinitim...so there really is not rest till September. So I guess I don’t. I stay wound up for a month. My family LOVE IT. I’M SUCH A GOOD MOTHER AND WIFE IN AUGUST.

What do you love about Scotland?

That it’s not England?  I actually went to St. Andrews University so coming back to Scotland is like coming home.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

Compared to St. Andrews it actually has Scottish people in it. (Ha!)

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

Get sunburned on a cloudy day, cheer England crashing out of the World Cup, finish school at 17, get a free University education… take your pick...

What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?

Intelligent ones. The Scots are a naturally witty race, so if you’re going to get up on stage you better be funnier than Uncle Hamish on half a bottle of Scotch.

Favourite joke?

[David Cameron] and [Michael Gove] jump out of a plane at the same time. Who hits the ground first? Who cares.

[Insert your own names here - my father first told me this joke using me and my sister]

Ria Lina will perform at The Stand Comedy Club 2 from August 5, 7-16 and 18-30.