2016 Edinburgh Fringe

Darren Walsh: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Darren Walsh. Copyright: Steve Ullathorne

Darren Walsh answers 10 questions about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show...

Give us a quick overview of your comedy career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

I'll try and answer these questions differently from last year's Q&A. I started in 2010 after wondering if I could make random strangers laugh in the same way I made my mates laugh. After 6 years the answer is still inconclusive.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (but mix them up, keep us guessing!).

1. Both my parents are called Pat.

2. I'm the tallest comedian performing at this year's Fringe.

3. My mum is taller than me (I'm 6"8) and she used to be the 8th tallest woman in Europe.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

This year, I offer an array of special prizes throughout the show that the audience can win, including prize number 22 and 23.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

No gimmicks this year, just concentrating on making the show as enjoyable as humanly possible. The less time I spend on being cunning, the more time I can spend on being funny.

What's your plan for trying to eat - and drink - healthily during the Fringe?

It usually starts off with the best intentions, fruit smoothies for breakfast, and then before I know it I'm in Mosque kitchen having a double-curry. I love curry; I've had so many bad gigs because of curry though. It's probably the worst thing you could eat before going on stage, all tired. OK, no curry this year.

What will you miss most while you're away from home?

I'll probably miss being around non-comedians. It's quite intense being around so many comedians, and comedian's faces on posters everywhere. You need a bit of normality to survive the Fringe.

Aside from performing, what else are you looking forward to doing in Scotland's fine capital?

My annual climbing of Arthur's Seat, cycling around the town (I bring my bike with me every year), fresh air and Mosque Kitchen. Oops just remembered I'm not supposed to go to Mosque Kitchen.

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

I generally don't like to list my favourite peers as it upsets my other peers. But, oh, go on then: Piers Morgan, Pierce Brosnan (Not serious about Piers Morgan, just a joke).

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

Sorry but you're gonna need a bigger website for that one.

Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,800+ other Fringe offerings listed on BCG this year?

I've written about another 8000 jokes for this show since last Edinburgh, I'd say it's better than my debut hour last year, so if you liked last year's show you should come to this one. If you didn't see last year's show, you should come to this one. If you didn't enjoy last year's show, you should check out this one.

'Darren Walsh: S'Pun' is at Pleasance Courtyard at 8:30pm until the 29th August. Listing

Published: Tuesday 23rd August 2016

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