2015 Edinburgh Fringe

Jonny Awsum answers 10 Edinburgh Fringe Questions

Jonny Awsum

Rising musical comedy star Jonny Awsum tells us about singing in an office, having to become funny fast, and cult kids' show Knightmare.

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

I started in 2011 and went pro pretty quick - my wife was pregnant at the time so it was a matter of get funny or get a 9 to 5! I did open mic circuit, then open spots at pro gigs and then paid spots. After a couple of goes at Edinburgh in 2011 and 2013 I signed to Gag Reflex and did my first hour at The Gilded Balloon last year with Lee Martin at the helm. I am very happy with where I'm at, I've just come back from holiday and I had a gig last night - I couldn't wait to go and play it, I think that is pretty good sign I'm in the right game. That in effect was my Monday morning back at work!

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

An hour of feel-good musical comedy with silver trumpets, singing like you're in the crowd at the Monsters of Rock and country dancing...

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

To show people what I can do. I love to play the circuit but performing an hour every night is pretty special, seeing people walk in who have bought a ticket for your show is a really good feeling - it's also ace being based in one place for a while!

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I'm gonna hit the streets with my guitar and anyone offers me money I'm going to give it back to them and tell them to come and see my show.

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

No idea at this stage. I'd be happy to break even, but if I do make any money I will definitely have a party and you're invited.

6. What's your weirdest past Fringe experience?

Playing in an office last year for Forth 1 Radio, they were actually great, drinking beers at their desks and joining in with all my songs and stuff, just felt bananas cos it was the middle of the day and I was stood next to the photocopier.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Damo Clark has had THE best idea for his show this year, I won't give the game away but it's definitely one to go to.

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

OK I'd have David Brent and Neil Godwin from The Office as the hosts - making them do it as a pair like they do on The Brits would be hilarious! I'd have sketch comedy from The League of Gentlemen and a set from the late great Richard Pryor - oh and I'd have The Horne Section as the house band - I got to play with them in Edinburgh last year and my songs have never sounded so good!

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

Lord Fear from Knightmare. I was one of the advisors on Knightmare Live last year and he wasn't very happy when Lloyd Langford and I beat him by leading our dungeoneer to victory! - I grew up watching that show and even did a parody of it on my web show. It felt so mental sitting there talking to Treguard and guiding the dungeoneer around.

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

Ha! Because there's only one Jonny Awsum and I'm bringing the most interactive, roof raising, musical comedy there - you'd be a party pooper to miss it!

'Jonny Awsum: Everything is Awsum' is at 10:15pm at Gilded Balloon on 5-16, 18-30 August. Listing

Published: Tuesday 4th August 2015

Share this page