Christian O'Connell discusses complaints and the Fringe atmosphere...
Tell us about your Fringe show
I’ve been doing breakfast radio for 17 years, I’ve collected all the oddest complaints and most abusive letters I’ve gotten over the years and I go through them in the show. What people complain about isn’t what you think it would be.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Atmosphere. Nothing like it. It is so hard these days when everything is over-hyped to be suprised by something, that can happen every day in Edinburgh. I see lots of the kids shows with my kids and some of them are just brilliant
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Missing my family. They come up for a week and I’m in bits when they leave.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This will be my third year.
Favourite Fringe venue?
My first two shows were in the Dairy Room. It’s closed this year so I’m upgrading to the Nightclub in the Gilded Balloon. But the Dairy Room was good for me.
Best Fringe memory?
Last night of my first ever run and show. Frank Skinner came along and surprised me. In 1994 I died in a heat of So You Think You’re Funny. Frank was in the audience. For him to come see my return to stand up was very special for me.
Best heckle?
Colostomy bag. You had to be there!
Craziest on stage experience?
At Up The Creek at legendary London Comedy Club, five hen parties were in. One of them started throwing up over my shoes.
What’s on your rider?
Ninja Throwing Stars. In case it gets rough, I’m ready.
How do you wind down after a show?
Grecco Roman Wrestling.
What do you love about Scotland?
It’s a beautiful country. It’s says a lot that the world’s biggest arts and comedy festival is in Scotland.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It’s a stunning city. Full of history and wonder. Great walks and bars and restaurants. Everywhere seems to be slightly uphill though.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Haggis. Like a typical tourist, sorry.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
The funny ones.
Favourite joke?
It’s an old one. Man goes to pet shop, pays £1,000 for a centipede that everyday will go get his newspaper. First morning the centipde says to his new owner,
“What paper would you like?”. Guys tells him.
An hour passes, no newspaper. Gets to lunchtime. Still nothing. At 5pm the guy finds the centipede still in the hallway of the house.
“What are you doing?” yells an irate £1,000 centipede owner.
“Still putting my shoes on"
See Christian O'Connell: You've Ruined My Morning... and Other Fan Mail at Gilded Balloon (Venue 14) on 18 August and 20-29 August.
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