What are you doing at this year’s festival?
I’m doing stand-up at the Stand Comedy Club. Celebrating being in a room with people again, mucking about, playing and occasionally trying to incite the downfall of the Ponzi scheme we call capitalism.
What do you most want to see this year and why?
A living wage for venue staff… after that, as many new stand-ups shows as I can, a couple of days at Summerhall to get my annual fill of performance art then F.C. Edinburgh home games at Meadowbank. I can get to the games without clashing with my time slot, and the games embody the spirit of the Fringe; immersed in culture and drama, relatively cheap tickets, a small crowd and almost professional. Then there are two RMT picket lines I am speaking at during the festival. So I’m quite excited.
What’s your favourite place in the city and why?
The courtyard at Summerhall. I always bump into the actor Jack Klaff there who is normally loudly pontificating like an alternative Simon Callow, waving his arms and explaining the Fluxus art movement. I actually think he stays there all year waiting for me. In Leith, the Drill Hall, a wonderful community-based venue, market, work space. Just feels nice.
Who do you most like spending time with at the festival?
My grown-up kids come up to spend ten days with me. That is the bit I really love. They take me to things that normally involve…
