2015 Edinburgh Fringe

Ed Gamble answers 10 Edinburgh Fringe Questions

Ed Gamble. Copyright: Idil Sukan

Podcast star Ed Gamble talks flyering Sean Connery, feeling a fraud, and a very interesting sounding sketch trio.

1. Tell us about your career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

I started doing sketch comedy at university in 2005 and got into doing stand up in 2007. I've done multiple shows and podcasts in an idiot double act (Peacock & Gamble) and only did my debut solo hour last year. The pace of my career can best be described as glacial, but nice things have always happened along the way so I would say that I'm very happy with where I'm at. I'm still enjoying myself and that's the major thing that counts. The only ambition I have left to fulfil is to have my own line of kitchen gadgets and I can't imagine that's far off now.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

A nice young man tells you why it's hip to be square. Rappers and Batman better steer clear because you're in for it.

3. Why are you putting yourself through this famously stressful experience?

I have no idea. If I think about it for too long I'd imagine I'll have to confront some dark issues about why I deserve to be punished in such a way. I have been trying to not think of it as a stressful experience but now you have reminded me it is and I'm spiralling so thanks for that.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

A trail of muffins that lead into my show.

5. How much money do you think you'll lose/make this year?

Hopefully I won't lose what I normally do as I'm doing the PBH Free Fringe but I somehow will still find a way to lose money. If I came out of the Fringe with a profit I'd feel like a fraud.

6. What's your weirdest past Fringe experience?

When I was in a student sketch group, we flyered Sean Connery. He said "sorry, I've got to catch a plane" which sounded so badass and Bond coming out of his mouth - an effect that was doubled by Nish Kumar loudly singing the Bond music. (He waited for Sean Connery to get far enough away to not hear - we're not idiots. He's MASSIVE.)

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Oh man, so many. I've already bought tickets for Katherine Ryan, Sam Simmons, Beasts, Alfie Brown and Adam Riches but that is really only a small percentage of the list. There's the guys that everyone always talks about so I'll give their plugs a breather. I'm looking forward to (amongst others) Michael J Dolan, Holly Burn, Stuart Goldsmith and Sean McLoughlin. And I've already seen brilliant previews from Fin Taylor, Phil Wang, Rhys James, Nish Kumar, James Acaster, Tom Parry and oh God there's so many good people I'm having a panic attack.

8. If you took over programming a venue, what would you perfect line-up of comedians be?

Ray Peacock MCing. He's my favourite MC - something unique always happens, he's got magical powers over an audience. And then in any order: Jeff Innocent, Morgan Murphy, Patton Oswalt and a sketch group consisting of Jesus, Mohammed and Buddha.

9. Name the one person you'd rather not bump into during the festival.

Mussolini. I shared a flat with that guy at the 2005 Fringe and he used to leave oats everywhere.

10. Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,700+ other comedy offerings at this year's festival?

They can if they want. I've written loads of jokes and I'm proud of it. I'm not going to beg. I realise I'm down on my knees crying but I'm not begging.

'Ed Gamble: Lawman' is at 1:55pm at The Canons' Gait on 8-30 August. Listing

Published: Tuesday 4th August 2015

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