2016 Edinburgh Fringe

Shazia Mirza: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Shazia Mirza. Copyright: Linda Nylind

Shazia Mirza answers 10 questions about her 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show...

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

I started comedy in about 2002. I always think I didn't really become a real comedian till a few years ago, it took me that long to get good. I am happy with where I am at, as I see this as a very long road of discovery. I never really knew what I thought or felt about things in the world, but now things are becoming clearer to me and I do know who I am and what I think and so what I find funny.

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

1. I stole toilet roll from Buckingham Palace once straight after meeting The Queen and when I walked out of the Palace it fell out of my bag and Philip saw it.

2. I was once married to two men at the same time in two different countries.

3. I had dinner with Brigitte Bardot last week.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

My show is about people being offended, political correctness, ISIS, Jihadi Brides. It is based on real events that have happened to me.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

People love to see people off the TV. They don't care if they are funny or good, people just like to see famous people. So I might do a sex tape. It always works, Kim K, Paris Hilton, Hulk Hogan...

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

I will find the nearest organic, vegan, free trade ethical cafe, which will also be the most expensive and middle class place in the whole of Edinburgh, and I will pretend I'm posh.

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

My toilet.

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

Going walking in the hills and swimming in the sea.

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

Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, George Carlin... all the greats. But they're dead.

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

Harry Potter.

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

I don't think there are many comedy shows about ISIS on the Fringe.

'Shazia Mirza' is at The Stand Comedy Club at 6:15pm on 4-13 Aug. Listing

Published: Monday 8th August 2016

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