Will Franken speaks to the HeraldScotland about a fried Mars bar, self-esteem issues and his love for Scotland.
Tell us about your fringe show
My show is psychedelic. A live action LSD trip. But it's also subversive as hell. Plenty of sacred cows are skewered in this one. It's got the wrath of Johnny Rotten in his prime combined with the roller coaster mania of "Flying Circus".
Best thing about the Fringe?
Getting out of London for a month and hanging around the beautiful people of Scotland.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Where to start. . .ego and self-esteem issues; not earning any money for the entire month; obtuse uni blog reviewers. . .the list goes on. . .
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This is my third and final trip to the Fringe.
Favourite Fringe Venue?
My Cave. It's my sweaty, filthy, rock-n-roll home. Not antiseptic and sterile like the big ones. It's pure and beautiful and authentic - uncontaminated by panel show banality.
Best fringe memory?
Climbing Arthur's seat with Danny Buckler and other mates in the rain after a fried Mars bar.
Best heckle?
I rarely get heckled. People just stare confused if they don't like/understand me.
Craziest onstage experience?
Performed at the improv show "Voices In Your Head" last year in a near-drunken blackout. Have no idea what I was saying, but I did hear laughs.
What's on your rider?
Free tap water from the bar before I hit the stage.
How do you wind down after a show?
Smoke all the cigarettes I wasn't able to onstage. Then meander over to some tent that sells haggis.
What do you love about Scotland?
The people are more authentic. There's not an air of self-entitled snobbery. I feel genuine love for all my Scottish mates and would definitely consider a move up here.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The aesthetics. It's one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Decided to close my show with a satirical speech on the upcoming referendum performed in a Scottish accent.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
They can laugh at the weird and unconventional. But more than that, they can appreciate the value of going beyond the postmodern PC-structures. A combination of liberalism and free speech, which you don't see much these days. This particularly applies to Glaswegian audiences.
Favourite joke?
In this show, it's. . . "For too long, Scotland has been the Wales of Britain!"
See Will Franken - The Stuff They Put In Sleep at Just the Tonic at The Caves during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 25th August. For tickets visit Just the Tonic.
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