Aatif Nawaz's show The Last Laugh is on at the Newsroom, during August.
1. Tell us about your Fringe show
The Last Laugh is my third solo hour at the Fringe. This'll be my most introspective...a proper insight into the mind, the thought process, the insecurities of a comedian.
Should my comedy be socially motivated? Should I always have a message? Maybe I should be telling a story? But how do I impress the industry? What do they want me to do? How do I get myself onto Live At The Apollo? I explore many of the recurring themes of my now 10-year (yikes) career. It's my most honest show.
2. Best thing about the Fringe?
Being surrounded by so many amazing and talented comedians - it's inspiring and makes me smile.
3. Worst thing about the Fringe?
Being surrounded by so many amazing and talented comedians - it's depressing and makes me sad.
4. How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This is my third consecutive year. Possibly my last for a while. I keep missing my Mum's birthday. I do love the Fringe though. Will have a little think over the winter.
5. Favourite Fringe venue?
As much as I loved The Caves (where I did my debut show), I've come to really enjoy playing at The Newsroom. I'm back there this year after getting super comfortable during my last run. I'm probably more comfortable there than in my own living room.
6. Best Fringe memory?
Many to choose from. But probably during my first show in 2015 - I was having an amazing run - 4 and 5 star reviews almost every night. And then the infamous festival panel came to see my show. I put out a message on my facebook asking as many of my friends that were around to come and bring the laughter vibes. As it happened, only one came that night. And for one reason or another, it wasn't my strongest show. It wasn't bad - it just wasn't a festival winner. And my buddy Tez Ilyas was there to see it. He knew I was gutted. And he spent the next three hours hanging out with me, moaning and eating copious amounts of Thai food. Cause he knew I was miserable and needed the company. He's good people that Tez Ilyas. Incidentally, I've since established a pattern where I give my worst performance when Tez is in the crowd. So if you're ever coming to see me and see Tez in the audience, get ready for some lacklustre stand-up. (That's a joke. I'm always great.)
7. Best heckle?
Show us your passport? Nah seriously. This crazy drunk geezer tried to heckle me.
8. Craziest on stage experience?
Ah. I was running through the crowd in The Caves, doing my dance routine to a packed house of 120-odd people and as I jump onto stage, I underestimate how damp the previous performer had left it. I lose my footing on a puddle of dampness and slip and fall slap bang on my ass. On stage. In Edinburgh. In front of 120-odd people. I did style it out though. With some faux break dancing. The show must go on innit?
9. How do you wind down after a show?
A Diet Coke. Some ice cubes. And some classy food. Like chips. Or pizza.
10. What do you love about Scotland?
The brutal honesty.
11. What do you like about Edinburgh?
The fact that you're always walking uphill. I don't know how, but it's all uphill. Even when you're going downhill, it's somehow uphill. Anyhow, my calves get insanely toned. So I can confidently stroll down September beaches in my three-quarter length linen trousers.
12 Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Scottish Tablet. Deep Fried Chocolates. Anything high in sugar.
13 Sum up your show in three words.
Fun. Honest. Late.
Aatif Nawaz: The Last Laugh is on at the Newsroom, during August. For more details, visit https://tickets.edfringe.com/
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