Robin Morgan discusses stag parties, heckles and why he's never had a bad gig in Scotland.
Tell us about your Fringe show
My show is thirty minutes of stand-up about the past twelve months of my life, and how these life events have made me realise I have the mind of a child.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
I'm very excited. I'm sure I'll be an emotional, shaking wreck by the end of it, but I'm still in the eager, wide-eyed phase currently.
Best live act seen at Fringe?
I saw Andrew Maxwell a couple of years ago and he was sublime.
Best thing about the Fringe?
I get to see a month's worth of live comedy. And see comedy mates. And I get to be in Edinburgh.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
I'm moving flats at the moment, so paying rent across three properties over the month of August isn't great. But I can't blame that on the Fringe.
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
I wanted to be a journalist, so maybe that, or probably a teacher.
What do your family think of your show?
My parents have somehow never seen me live. They've seen me on YouTube, which isn't really the same. But I assume the horrible comments left underneath were by them. Filthy language.
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
I tell myself it's just another gig. The more fun I have, the more fun the audience have. Unless they hate it. Then neither of us have fun.
Worst on stage experience?
My first paid 20 minute gig for a big comedy club chain was in Central London, there were stag and hen parties throughout the crowd, including the first three rows, and they loathed me. I heard the best man of one of the stags apologise to his mate for 'ruining the stag do' by making him watch me. I left the stage after 13 minutes.
How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?
I don't have any stock replies, I usually deal with it in the moment. I'm usually okay with heckles. I can't deal with compliments being shouted out.
What do you love about Scotland?
I've never had a bad gig in Scotland, it's always been lovely, so that's a plus for me. Also, being from Wales, I do love a good Celtic link.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The first time I came to Edinburgh was for the Fringe in 2011 for a competition - I was only up there for twelve hours, but they were some of the most fun I've ever had. I plan to enjoy the month of August at the same pace, and hopefully not die.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Being from Wales, probably enjoying the free prescriptions we have on our NHS too. It's pretty good, isn't it? Big fan.
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
Tricky question. Huge fan of Mark Nelson and Iain Stirling.
Favourite joke?
So many of Gavin Webster's. Currently: "People say to me 'Gavin, are you a fan of pastiche?', and I say 'I prefer sausage rolls'."
Robin Morgan will perform at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House on August 12-18 and 20-30.
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