The Orchid and The Crow tells us about the Bosco and pacing yourself...

Tell us about your Fringe show...
Well, I guess it’s just your average Jewish atheist, circumcision, testicular cancer, Lance Armstrong cabaret. I talk about stuff that has happened to me and I sing a bunch of original songs in different styles; some rock, some musical theatre. There’s even some contemporary opera.

Best thing about the Fringe?

I get to catch up with all of my friends from all over the world and meet new like-minded souls. My favourite is taking a punt on a show that you know nothing about and walking out of the room, completely smitten with them and their work.

Worst thing about the Fringe?
You have to be careful to pace yourself and remember that you have a show the next day.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

I was here in 2009 and 2013.

Favourite Fringe venue?

I have a bit of a thing for the Bosco.


6 Best Fringe memory?

Seeing Adrienne Truscott and Bryony Kimmings’ shows within a very short space of time blew my mind. I was buzzing for days after that.

Craziest on stage experience?

I was just in Toronto a few weeks ago and in the last ten minutes of the show a woman in the audience stood up and protested that she disagreed with something that I had said. I told her that usually I wouldn’t do this, but I have a 90 min slot in the venue and currently my show was running at 67 mins. I introduced her to the audience and we listened to her for a few minutes. I asked some questions and we got into a bit of back and forth with her and some of the other members of the audience. It was quite strange. Usually, if someone is going to heckle, you know about it in the first ten minutes, but  she didn’t make herself known until almost the end of the show. I don’t think she was drunk or anything. 

She just exuded the Canadian spirit of fairness and putting things right. Just to be clear, I really don’t have time for this kind of exploration in Edinburgh, but you can chat to me after the show.

What’s on your rider?

There’s a rider?

How do you wind down after a show?

My show is at 4:10pm, so I imagine I’ll just be warming up.

What do you love about Scotland?

My Dad’s extended family all live in Edinburgh and Glasgow. They are the loveliest people you’re going to meet anywhere in the world.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

I never get sick of sitting around The Meadows on a sunny day. I hope there will be some sunny days this year.

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
My Dad got me a kid’s set of bagpipes when I was a kid. I never learned any songs. I just used to improvise. I guess it was like Scottish free jazz.

See the Orchid and the Crow at Assembly Roxy until August 30th.