Tony Law, the stand-up known for his unique brand of surrealist comedy, is once again pleasing audiences at The Stand in a lunchtime slot. Here he reveals a bit more about his creative process...

Hi. For those new to Mr Tony, can you explain who you are and your style of comedy...

I'm a father of two and husband of one former farm boy who grew up in Canada. But a UK citizen. Comedy? mmmm Art comedy? Possibly? I hope it's full of ideas and originality. But ultimately I'm a clown. A joker. And wanna have fun. I like to keep the laugh high and the message low!!!

Some might say that you are portrayed as a 'madcap surrealist'. This perhaps allows you the freedom to explore ideas from a different place than most stand-ups, but how do you try and incorporate serious issues/material in your show too?

Without being literal and obvious.... I paint some scenes and let them get on with what it means. It all means something to me but I won't dictate that to the audience. It's their choice. I always try to come from a place of good. A jester who reads and likes humanity. And elephants. And history. Learning and books and that. I'm lucky my family are involved in my show and guide me away from being a dick. My partner is my Director. My little Vikings write my material. Ish.

What is this year's show about?

My daughter, sexism. trying to fit in with middle class Islington. Status and social anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed by responsibility, the Universe. Love. And terror. I meet some kids going through tough times at Teenage Cancer Trust and I tried to understand a bit of their strength through absurdity. The absurdity of Life.

The tricky thing about an Edinburgh Fringe show is that you need to submit the show title and 30 words about the show months in advance of the actual festival. Would we be right in thinking that this leads acts giving vague descriptions?

You would be right. You have a theme in your head (Love, daughters, sexism, space, The Who, forgiveness) then hope it comes off. You do a hundred previews trying to get the material you deserve - it's exhausting, but does it then develop a brain and do what it likes? My wife and I sit and wait for the comedy to flourish. That's when I'm ready. I'm happy.

Momentum seems to be building behind your career, with TV appearances and sell-out live shows. Do you get the sense that you have an expanding audience that get what you're trying to do and are ready to jump on board for the ride without necessarily knowing where they are going?

I hope so. I've tried longer and harder on this show. I feel tremendous pressure to give all the people who've jumped on board what they like. It's four years in a row doing the first daytime show of the Fringe - daytime comedy - at noon, building from one audience member on day one to now where it sells out. So I'm grateful they're here but mindful the show is as good or better than the last three. After 14 years working the circuit for food, it's these last four I'm proudest of. Bloody kids!!?

There's much talk of 'progression' within comedy. Are you progressing?

I think 'just don't TONY do variations on the same thing'. This year I've more true stories than made up history nonsense. It's all for meaning though, right? I hate the obvious spelled out to me like a newscast. My shouty bollocks is what lots love. So I've got more of that too. Evolution rather than revolution. I sound like a dick. But that's what's in my head.

Ultimately, what would you like to achieve with this show?

Make people think about it later and feel good about themselves.

'Tony Law: Nonsense Overdrive' is at The Stand daily at 12:40pm until 26th August. Listing