Ian Smith talks to HeraldScotland about stage diving, cage fighting and peppermint squares.

Tell us about your Fringe show

My Fringe show is called 'Ian Smith - Flappable' (6pm at the Pleasance Courtyard). It's sort of about uncertainty. It's a collection of stories and silliness and me shouting about things that confuse me. There is also a surprise and some learning going on.

Best thing about the Fringe?

This year, it's been watching a dog jump into a pond full of algae. But in general, all the amazing, creative shows that are here.

Worst thing about the Fringe?

Getting flyered for a show when you know the performer and the flyerer will insist on telling you about them and when their on despite you telling them you are friends with that person. This is very specific and has just happened to me, so it's still raw.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

It's my second solo show and my fifth full run doing the Fringe.

Favourite Fringe venue?

I'm a big fan of the Queen Dome at the Pleasance, I've seen wonderful, wonderful shows there and it's the perfect shape. Go see 'Mr Swallow the Musical' there!

Best Fringe memory?

When one of my favourite singers, Jim Moray, came to see my show and liked it.

Best heckle?

Two people fell asleep at one of my gigs. Separate ends of the room.

Craziest on stage experience?

Stage diving into some chairs because nobody would get involved with my stage dive. This was largely due to ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson getting me and some other comics very drunk.

What's on your rider?

Nothing. Ideally a working microphone and a glass of water.

How do you wind down after a show?

This year I have been going for a swim every now and then, and then cage fighting.

What do you love about Scotland?

Peppermint squares.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

It's probably the most beautiful city in the UK. My favourite place at the minute is the pond near Arthurs Seat. I have no idea what it is called.

What's the most Scottish thing you've done?

I'm 3/4 Scottish. So, being Scottish.

What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?

I don't really believe in there being big differences between crowds regionally. I think, like everyone else, just funny stuff. A Fringe crowd tends to enjoy something a bit more original, or something that plays with the form more than usual, which is great ("Plays with the form" is the most pretentious part of this from me so far).

Favourite joke?

This isn't really a joke, but in one of Nick Mohammed's shows, he ate a banana and made it one of the funniest things I've seen, which is pretty incredible.

See Ian Smith - Flappable' at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh until 24 August. For tickets go to The Pleasance website.