Melinda Hughes of Kiss & Tell Cabaret talks to HeraldScotland about drinking beer, bad love affairs and Kermit the frog...
Tell us about your Fringe show
Its called 'Cocktails with the Diva' on at the Assembly Rooms, 10.15pm - it's an upbeat, sassy, fun cabaret about an Opera Diva who loves to get dirty, sing cabaret and drink lot of cocktails. The show includes songs about the Fringe, politics, cocktails, bad love affairs, opera, cabaret and lots of social satire. It's all original material, backed by a Jazz Trio with a feel good factor.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The vibe, the sheer intensity of talent and creativity. I just love it.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The stress and sleep deprivation!
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This will be my second year (I dipped my toe in the water last year with a week of performances!)
Favourite Fringe venue?
Assembly Rooms of course!
Best Fringe memory?
Seeing a student completely stuck to a lamp-post with flyers.
Best heckle?
Being asked to sing something extremely rude operatically in a gay bar in New Town. It was unrepeatable - but I sang it!
Craziest on stage experience?
My French boyfriend coming on stage dressed as Kermit the Frog on my last night to surprise me.
What's on your rider?
Bottled water. That's the most important.
How do you wind down after a show?
Actually most singers will tell you they love to drink a beer after singing and that's what I do - have a beer which is out of character for me. It takes an hour to come down so its best to talk with fellow performers and get it all out of your system!
What do you love about Scotland?
The beautiful countryside, invigorating walks, kindness and warmth of the people. Just love Scotland. (My family's from Glasgow.)
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It's the perfect size city and has everything I could want from a city. I could certainly see myself living in Edinburgh.
What's the most Scottish thing you've done?
Reeling at a friend's wedding last year.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
At the moment probably things that put down the English!
Favourite joke?
Oh I'm terrible at remembering jokes!
Kiss & Tell Cabaret's new show Cocktails with the Diva will be at the Assembly Rooms, George Street from 1st - 25th August.
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