2015 Edinburgh Fringe

Ian Smith answers 10 Edinburgh Fringe Questions

Ian Smith

Ian Smith brings his latest show to Edinburgh this August, as he stops by an Indian restaurant.

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

I started gigging at University, but really going for it when I graduated in 2010 (I think). This will be my third solo show and I've done bits of acting in things and got to work with some really brilliant people doing that. I'm obviously hoping Popatron gets a second series - I think it's totally normal for a channel to take 4 or 5 years to decide whether something gets a second series, so I imagine they're still mulling it over.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

My show is a man (me) talking at people for an hour while having a 35p energy drink. Sometimes I'll shout a bit.

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

Because Mother India is the best Indian restaurant in the world and it's too long a round trip from London.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Spreading rumours of fake celebrity cameos. Failing that, get some celebrities to do cameos.

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

£4. But it could be a loss or a profit.

6. What's your weirdest past Fringe experience?

I once became convinced that a tiny knitted square a man gave me after a gig possessed the power to give bad luck after I stood in a puddle shortly after I got it, so I threw it in the bin. The stress had got to me.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

James Acaster, Tim Key's work in progress, Polyphony, Ed Aczel, Rhys James, Tom Parry, The Pin, Johnny Pelham - there's just so bloody many and there'll be lots I've forgotten. But that's a few I'm excited to see.

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

Daniel Kitson, Hannibal Buress, Patrice O'Neal, Tim Key, Nick Mohammed, Nick Helm, Bo Burnham, Alex Horne.

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

My doppelganger. Doppelganger situations never seem to end well.

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

One of the punch lines is 'Linda?'

'Ian Smith - Whereabouts' is at 7pm at Pleasance Courtyard on 5-17, 19-30 August. Listing

Published: Tuesday 4th August 2015

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