Ben Hanlin talks about his new show Trickhead.

1 Tell us about your Fringe show

Trickhead is a one man magic show that has amazing moments but also keeps everyone smiling and laughing throughout.

2 How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

Really exciting! It has been a goal for a long time. It’s going to be great to play the same venue for a month but also I am really looking forward to seeing so many incredible shows.

3 Live act most looking forward to seeing at Fringe?

That’s tough. The best shows I’ve ever seen at the Fringe have been shows I knew nothing about but had been told I must see them. I’m looking forward to stumbling on some absolute gems that I can then tell everyone that I saw them first at the Fringe.

4 If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?

Not sure - I suppose I would work in TV. It seems like the most fun you can have with a proper job.

5 How do you combat pre-gig nerves?

If I really want to avoid nerves I make sure I’m performing material that I’ve done a thousand times, that I know is strong. That makes me feel so confident.

6 Worst on stage experience?

Probably the first stage show I’d ever did. People paid money to see me and like an idiot I thought it would be a good idea if every trick was brand new. Which is the worst thing you can do in front of a paying audience because inevitably things will go wrong. And they did. Almost every trick failed and at the end I just wanted to get in my car as fast as humanly possible.

7 How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?

I have a few, but if I can feel that someone is starting to become disruptive I will often use them in a trick and therefore make them part of the show. This gives them the attention they want but also makes them work with me as opposed to against me.

8 What do you love about Scotland?

Can I say the Fringe? - That for one month in the year Scotland becomes the best place in the world! It is something that very few countries can ever come close to achieving and Scotland should be incredibly proud of what it has created.

9 What do you like about Edinburgh?

It is a beautiful city. The architecture and the cobbled streets are amazing and they have done a brilliant job of incorporating the old with the new.

10 What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

Eaten a battered Mars Bar - okay that’s a lie, because this is a tough one. - I’ll be honest I haven’t done many “Scottish things”.

11 Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?

Iain Sterling. He is super talented and so likeable.

12 Favourite joke?

I was a big fan of the joke Joel Domett did last year at the Fringe with the Confetti cannon. It’s hard to explain but let’s just say a confetti canon goes off at the worst possible time and it is brilliant!

13 Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Irn Bru - Great for Hangovers.

Ben Hanlin will perform Trickhead at the Pleasance Dome until August 28.