2016 Edinburgh Fringe

Russell Hicks: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Russell Hicks

Russell Hicks 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?

Year one: very bad; very scripted
Year two: VERY ANGRY
Year three: daddy learns to FLY
Year four to present day: ENGLAND

So, yes I am happy where I am at now (although I'm told that it's taboo to ever admit you like where you live in England. When asked, it's appropriate to respond: 'Yes, I live there. It's sh*t').

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

1. I trained with Bruce Lee as a baby.
2. All of Chuck Norris's films are based on my real life exploits.
3. I once answered a Q & A for the British Comedy Guide sitting at my computer while having a coffee.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

Totally improvised struggle bombastically relegating rationality, Coltrane on wild stallions, Lenny Bruce Lee doing Jewish Kung Fu while Chomsky listens to Frank Zappa.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Yes! I lock the doors after every show so no one can get out - my audience has doubled in the last two days!

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

I've been drinking copious amounts of an elixir called 'Irn Bru', which the locals have assured me contains all the vitamins and minerals one needs for a balanced diet.

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

Family and friends? Buahahah - I'm a comedian, the only friend I have is the man on stage. ;'(
I'll miss sitting around nude watching movies all day - I still do those things while up here, only it will be nice without my flat mates walking in front of the telly all day.

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

I like to go to all the glorious museums and walk around staring at the amazing cultural artefacts while I only think about myself and my show.

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

Ah, man, nerd alert...here we go:

Tony Law
Phil Kay
Tom Ward
Nick Crosby
Tommy Tiernan
what's his name...Daniel Kit - something...
Ross Noble
Don Rickles
George Carlin
Lenny Bruce

Anyway that's my dream line up - all of them sitting in the crowd of course while I perform for three straight hours!

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

Jesus, man!
No, not actually Jesus, just like, 'wow, starting a fight here?' There is really only one dude, I want to take down to punch-city for a night on the town if you know what I mean....but other than that, I am filled with love man, filled with love....so come one come all - oh wait, here's one: my dad! Not that I don't love him, but what are you doing here, pa? Who's tending the farm?!

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

Because I was so funny in this Q & A, duh. Wasn't that the point of this??

'Russell Hicks: Deadliner' is at The Free Sisters at 4:30pm on 4-28 Aug. Listing

Published: Saturday 13th August 2016

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