James Trickey

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week we welcome our first random accountant, as far as we know. It's James Trickey, who leads quite a double life, which he'll tackle in his debut Edinburgh hour: Don't Count On Me.

"Firstly I think I have to make it clear that the show is not about accountancy," he makes clear. "Crucially, I would like everyone to enjoy the show, not only those who have completed the relevant reading and undertaken the appropriate exams. So for anyone worried about that bit I can assure you that the show is for everyone.

"Otherwise, the show is about trying to make a decision between what you think is a reasonable and safe option and a totally irresponsible, more risky path. The only catch is that you're pretty sure the risky option has been calling out to you for several years. Combined with some fun stops on the way to illustrate how I ended up in this situation (mixed-race parents, I'm looking at you)."

We can only think of one previous accountant-turned-comedian, Comedy Store legend Arnold Brown, but that career crossover shouldn't be surprising, says Trickey, given all the comedy doctors, teachers...

"If Ben Affleck can play an accountant who kicks butt and kills criminals then why can't some of them try and tell a few jokes," muses the comic, who'll be doing both jobs during the Fringe (counting and comedy; not kicking butt). Could that be, er, tricky?

"I have some holiday booked, so there'll be occasional opportunities to cut loose," he says. "But I also think having the working days in place might help remind me that it's probably good for my mental health to have some days where I just do my job and go to sleep. I welcome the challenge."

He's counting the days. James Trickey, your Random 8 await:

What was your childhood career dream?

When I was really young I really wanted to be a postman. All the postmen around me had bikes which I assumed were standard issue and my parents refused to get me one because they thought it was too dangerous. So naturally I picked a career which would guarantee me getting a bike.

When I grew up a bit and figured out that as an adult I would simply be able to buy myself whatever I wanted, my dream job was just tied to whatever TV show I was watching at the time. Suits made me want to be a lawyer, House made me want to be a doctor, Game Of Thrones made me want to tame dragons. Accounting seemed like a safer alternative.

Which historical figure should get more attention?

The Earl of Sandwich. Unsure about which Earl specifically but I'm talking about the one who invented the sandwich if that wasn't already clear. Unbelievable thinking, so simple and obvious and yet no one had done it before. A true maverick. Pioneered the way for burgers and hot dogs which are consumed in the millions daily. And no one sings his praises, sad.

Who are you most envious of?

My gut instinct is Ryan from Ryan's World. A boy who achieved worldwide success reviewing any toy he wanted. Do you know how much time I spent watching adverts for incredible toys that I never got to play with? And this kid made a career of it! If that isn't the dream and worthy of envy then what is?

Alternatively I would say literally any billionaire. Being able to have that much money with seemingly so little moral desire to redistribute it is something I wish I had.

Is there a book or film that changed your life?

Ratatouille. Have you seen the moment when Remy teaches his brother how to combine the strawberry and the cheese? A simply magical moment that opened up my senses to the wonder that is food. I have been addicted ever since.

More sincerely, the message in that film being that 'anyone can cook' had such a profound impact on me that anyone can have a talent for anything even in the places you least expect. I've seen IT technicians who are some of the best breakdancers at the Christmas party. Anyone can cook, you just have to let them try.

Which movie would you love to have been in, and which part?

I'd have loved to be in Superbad. I think it perfectly captures the nostalgia of being a stupid teenage boy in that moment just before you leave your equally stupid mates to go to university and yet you're all still so determined to kiss someone. The way they all act like they don't actually care about each other but reveal they do in their drunken heart-to-hearts is beautiful and I'd have been honoured to be a part of that. As for which part, probably McLovin because obviously.

What's the greatest invention, ever?

Double entry bookkeeping, what an incredible way to keep you and your students in employment for the rest of time. Invent an insane system of keeping financial records which you convince the world is the superior way to manage your money but also keep it confusing enough so that only people who study it can understand whatever the hell is going on. Suddenly you've made yourself some kind of wizard who can read the ancient tomes and cast the necessary spells to keep your business afloat.

Your most interesting injury?

If interesting can be interchanged with embarrassing I would have to say it's when I broke my wrist. I was on a campsite in France and had made friends with some of the other teenage boys in the table tennis/arcade section where we spent most nights without our parents to police us. I had probably had one too many orange slushies and was off my nut on sugar and brain freeze.

For the first time, the boys had decided that tonight would be the night we were going to impress the girls on site and so we were taking it in turns to have a go on those boxing machines that give you a score when you punch them. My turn came up. I punched it and promptly broke my wrist, although I didn't know that's what had happened at the time.

I tried to walk it off but my dad realised I was in quite a lot of pain the following morning and I went to hospital. I didn't even get close to a good score either.

What's the best thing you ever bought a ticket for?

Reading 2014. No doubt in my mind. I saw the Arctic Monkeys, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age and Disclosure and never looked back. It was my first festival and I basically just had the best time ever. Also the amount of people who I've bonded with by a shared experience of Reading 2K14 cements it as one of those events that I'm truly grateful to have gone to.

James Trickey: Don't Count on Me is at Edinburgh's Pleasance Courtyard from 30 July - 24 August. Tickets