Stuart Black discusses Lemsips & Cigarettes, Highlander and howling at the Moon.
Tell us about your Fringe show
This is me getting back to my comedy roots. An hour of stand-up comedy about the world as I see it. And my life. Not so much Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll. More Lemsip & Cigarettes.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The Energy and Excitement.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The Rain.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
10 years
Favourite Fringe venue?
The interesting thing is that the vibe changes. It's organic. One venue could be amazing for several years and then another venue becomes the best. The Free Sisters is fantastic and that's why my show is there (10.15pm, Maggies front room).
Best heckle?
All heckles are terrible. It shouldn't be encouraged.
Craziest on stage experience?
At a Christmas show. I said I once spent Christmas in Australia - it was just a set up to a joke - then a very, very, very drunk man walked on stage and grabbed the Mic from me and said: "You should stay at home with you family at Christmas" and walked out of the venue.
What’s on your rider?
Like Oasis: All I need is Lemsip & Cigarettes.
How do you wind down after a show?
I used to drink myself into oblivion. Now I find out where the most awesome party is and just stand there wishing I could join in for an hour. Then climb Arthurs Seat and howl at the moon shaking.
What do you love about Scotland?
It's hard to describe unless you've seen it but in the countryside there's a kind of purple glow sometimes. Makes me feel like i'm in Highlander.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The buildings are amazing.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Look down Royal Mile and despair at the English.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Excluding tourists. You find Scottish people coming to the fringe have seen a hell of a lot more comedy then your average punter so they really want something different and original.
Favourite joke?
Q: What do you get if you cross a Sheep and a Kangaroo?
A: A stillborn. STOP PLAYING GOD!!!
Stuart Black will perform at Three Sisters – Magies Front Room on August 21-30.
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