Nish Kumar discusses Sean Connery, Keith Richards and being chased off stage by a heavy metal band.

Tell us about your Fringe show

It’s a stand-up comedy show about politics, diversity & the American Pie film franchise.

Best thing about the Fringe?

All your friends are in the same city doing great shows and it feels like a holiday camp

Worst thing about the Fringe?

The pressure of trying to get the show right. It’s often a six month build up to Edinburgh. It’s emotionally exhausting. But still better than getting a proper job.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

This is my tenth consecutive Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I am the veteran underdog.

Favourite Fringe venue?

I love a three-sided room – my venue last year (the Beside) and my one this year (the Upstairs) are great examples of this. It’s good for stand-up.

Best Fringe memory?

We met Sean Connery flyering on the mile in my first year. Hard to top meeting the original James Bond.

Best heckle?

I was chased offstage by a heavy band who were supposed to be on in the slot I was doing a gig. Terrifying at the time but in retrospect, hilarious.

Craziest on stage experience?

See above

What’s on your rider?

A pint of water. I’m the Keith Richards of Edinburgh.

How do you wind down after a show?

Hit the crackpipe hard. Not really. Just have a pint.

What do you love about Scotland?

Haggis – I absolutely love it.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

I’ve been coming there for so long, the city is basically a second home for me. I adore it.

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

I met Sean Connery. That’s pretty Scottish right?

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

Funny ones.

Favourite joke?

My cousins (who are 8 and 11 respectively) call me Madam Lily. I have no idea why but they find it so funny, it makes me happy. So that’s my favourite joke I guess.

Nish Kumar will perform at Pleasance Courtyard on August 20-30.