Jason Cook talks to HeraldScotland about weight gain, water, and jokes about baby goats' bumholes.
Tell us about your Fringe show
It's called Broken and is basically about the things that have broken me and what I've tried to do to correct that.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Doing an hour in front of a comedy-savvy crowd that let you explore stuff and are in a good 'festivally' mood.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The subsequent weight gain from eating delicious but fatty takeaways for a month
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I first came in 2004, just for a weekend, then I've done shows back to back 2005-2011, so it'll be my ninth year.
Favourite Fringe venue?
I'm loving the Queen Dome where I'm playing this year, I did it in 2011 and it's the perfect room for me, almost in the round. Very sexy.
Best Fringe memory? - My dad seeing a show I had written about him having a stroke for the first time and loving it. Very special.
Best heckle?
Probably the German guy, Stefan, who, when I asked him if he was enjoying the festival said "Well, we are about to find out, aren't we?"
Craziest on stage experience?
Me and a friend once hooked ourselves up to two TENS machines that send pulses of electric shocks through your body. It was at Xmas and we tried to read out "Twas the night before Xmas" together while upping the voltage after every line. We were shaking for hours afterwards but it was insanely funny. It's on Youtube somewhere.
What's on your rider?
Water. That's all. I throw myself around a lot so I need lots of water or I'll sweat myself to death.
How do you wind down after a show?
I usually just eat a MASSIVE meal which I'll have been putting off all day in preparation for the show. That's where the weight gain comes from.
What do you love about Scotland?
It still has a nobility within its culture, a sense of identity. And it's one of the most beautiful places on earth if you get out driving around and take a look. And also, if the Scottish audiences like you, they'll kill for you. Which can come in handy.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It's got so many memories for me, the Fringe made my career, I proposed to my wife at the top of Edinburgh Castle, and I met my agent there too. (Those are not in order.)
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Not supported England in the World Cup.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Anything really, as long as it's honest, they can sniff bullshit from a mile away.
Favourite joke?
Changes all the time. Although I have got a joke in this years show about a baby goat's bumhole that I've managed to make quite classy, which proved difficult.
Jason Cook's new stand up show 'Broken' will be at the Pleasance Dome from 30th July - 24th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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