Andrew Blair talks to HeraldScotland about bean bags, Jenga and poems about Robert Pattinson.
Tell us about your Fringe show
My main one is a spoken word show called 'Knife Whimsy' I'm performing with Ross McCleary and nightly guest poets. It's got a quiet/loud dynamic and we're not taking it too seriously. You can win £100 and there's poems about Robert Pattinson, Limp Bizkit and buses. I'm also doing The Alternative Edinburgh Walking Tour, which doesn't go anywhere famous, and finishes up by some bins. It's very informative.
Best thing about the Fringe?
It's a hellish challenge. At the moment I'm at the reckless nihilism stage, and I'm looking forward to the 'Bruce Banner walking home in the rain, hoping for but not expecting pity' stage.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Sometimes the challenge feels Sisyphian. People mainly help each other out, but even so posters are torn down, audiences are brazenly stolen, nothing is sacred. All it takes is one selfish dickhead.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
Two as a performer, ten as a punter.
Favourite Fringe venue?
There was one about five years ago that had a bean bag. I can't remember where it is or what it was called. It might not have been real. It's possibly like some people's childhood relationship with God in that respect.
Best Fringe memory?
Bean bag.
Best heckle?
I saw a guy a few years ago just take out and start reading The Metro.
Craziest on stage experience?
Last year the barman at the venue was wrecked, and spent the entire show making strange guttural noises, before sitting amongst the audience demanding they order cocktails. They all left.
What's on your rider?
Potential.
How do you wind down after a show?
I go home and watch Adventure Time.
What do you love about Scotland?
Many things, although this does include the Ballboy song 'I Hate Scotland'.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
I like that the Old Town was clearly built during a game of Jenga that got out of hand.
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Well, my Dad's Scottish, I was born here, and I've lived here all my life. That's reasonably Scottish. Plus one time I explained the Tennents' Sixes to someone from Liverpool.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
I've never noticed a type. You go to Red Raw at The Stand and people laugh at all sorts.
Favourite joke?
People tell me I have a pleasing Scottish lilt, but they're wrong. It's Barrs Pineappleade.
'The Alternative Edinburgh Walking Tour' sets off from the Omni Centre at 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Andrew Blair and Ross McCleary's new spoken word show 'Knife Whimsy' will be at George Next Door #3 for PBH Free Fringe from 2nd - 16th of August at 9.05pm. Click here for more information.
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