Hal Cruttenden discusses gangsta rap, miracles and why Scots are always nicer than he expects them to be.

Tell us about your Fringe show

It’s called ‘Straight Outta Cruttenden’. Although it’s taken from NWA’s album, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ from the late 80s, it’s not actually about Gangsta Rap. It’s about me of course.

Best thing about the Fringe?

It’s so big now that you can usually find whatever you want to see. There’s decent theatre, dance, kids shows and comedy. I’m the only comedy show that people should see of course. Everyone else is lovely but rubbish.

Worst thing about the Fringe?

Missing my family. My wife and kids will come up for a bit but it’s not a holiday for comedians, and my wife will only put up with a week or so of my non-stop talking about my show and how it’s going.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

I’ve stopped and started. My first fringe was a group show in 1999 and I’ve been about six years since then. Despite being seen as a fringe veteran I’m more likely to not be here than to be here.

Favourite Fringe venue?

I love the Pleasance Courtyard. For me it’s always the nicest place to sit out on a warm Summer’s night and have a beer. Of course there’s usually only one warm summer’s night in Edinburgh during August but make sure you’re here for it.

Best Fringe memory?

I came up here as a kid when my dad did amateur theatre. I was 10. It was much smaller and there weren’t many comedians. If only I’d done a show back then.

Best heckle?

In 2003, I was having a terrible night of what was actually a great show (should have won the Perrier – but I’m over that now). It was a small crowd and they just weren’t going for anything. I had a bit about religion where I asked the audience, ‘Do you believe in miracles?’ A voice from the dark said, ‘not tonight I don’t.’ That got the biggest laugh of the night. Hopefully that man’s dead now.

Craziest on stage experience?

The same run in 2003 I had an audience of eight. My smallest Edinburgh crowd ever… and it turned into the best show I’ve ever done. Maybe eight is the perfect number for me to perform in front of. If that’s the case, I’m going to be very poor.

What’s on your rider?

Water, water and more water… and an electric fan. Despite being in Scotland doing a show at the fringe is very often the same as having a sauna.

How do you wind down after a show?

I run around the Pleasance Courtyard telling other comics how well it went. I’m enormously popular with my peers.

What do you love about Scotland?

I love the fact that Scots are always nicer people than I expect them to be. Scots are traditionally seen as dour and serious but I find Scottish audiences are very nice. You need to get some better PR for this country. The Irish have stolen the whole ‘aren’t we a lovable plucky nation’ identity but Irish people can be tyrants – I know, I’m married to one.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

It’s unquestionably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Having said that, I haven’t been to all the cities in Northern Europe but saying that Edinburgh is the most beautiful makes me sound worldly and well-travelled.

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

I’m such a rugby fan that I sometimes take great pleasure in the England football team giving a dreadful performance. Laughing at English football is good for the soul.

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

Like most places, Scots love to hear jokes about themselves. I’ve often written stuff that English people have said, ‘You’re not going to say that to a Scottish crowd are you?’ But those are the jokes that work best.

Favourite joke?

I hear when England play football most Scots support the opposition. We’d do the same to you but we never know when you’re playing.

Hal Cruttenden will perform at the Pleasance Courtyard on August 19-30.