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.
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