Tiff Stevenson talks about her new stand up show Seven. 

Tell us about your Fringe show

It’s called Seven as it,s my 7th solo show and I had to come up with a title in January. It’s about how we communicate and respond to big events like terror attacks or celebrity deaths by making it all about ourselves. So I’m making it all about me…for an hour. There is quite a lot of politics, UK & US and trying to make some sense of it all when I can tell it makes no sense at all. Clowns to the left…jokers to the right.

Best thing about the Fringe?

It’s like the open in golf, you don’t have to wait to be invited…you just gate crash. Which means anything goes, anything can happen and when that is the case cool, interesting people want to participate whether they are performing or in the audience. It has a great vibe. Also as a comic you get to stretch your legs over an hour - you can say so much more.

Worst thing about the Fringe?

Trench foot , which happens after a sustained period of sweaty venues and heavy rain…so normally day two. Also ‘Chef’s Arse’ if you don’t know what it is then look it up. If you see a performer looking slightly too big for their boots just remember they probably have ‘Chef’s Arse’.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

This is my 10th year!! You are welcome Edinburgh….you are welcome.

Favourite Fringe venue?

There are so many, the Caves are great for late night. Summerhall has amazing old medical lecture halls which feel like Detective Aberline might wander into. The Stand which is obviously there year round and of course there is my venue this year – The Roxy which is going to be fantastic. It’s in a converted church….what’s not to love?

Best Fringe memory?

Being presented with Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit Of The Fringe in 2012, the first time I had won a thing so that was exciting. The award is a framed photo of Meryvn but you can’t have it all I suppose.


 Best heckle?

No such thing, you’re not helping and if you’re that keen on being heard, write and perform your own show. I might come.
 8 Craziest on stage experience?

I crowd surfed at Bestival in 2007 that was pretty crazy as people try and feel you up.


What’s on your rider?

Six dozen white lilies, freshly painted dressing rooms for myself and my entourage, doves…. Or you know, prosecco and a place to change.


How do you wind down after a show?

Usually after a show I would wind down by having a drink with some friends but as it’s the fringe I’ll probably wind down by going to do another show.


What do you love about Scotland?

I love the people (I’m half Scottish …so there’s at least half of myself that I love), the scenery, the whisky, the kiltowel. I love that Scotland has a female first minister, voted remain and that the SNP voted unanimously against bombing Syria. These are all facts


What do you like about Edinburgh?

The History, the Architecture, it’s such a beautiful place. During the fringe I enjoy the art installations on the Royal Mile such as ‘hungover person throwing up in a bin’ or ‘stag tied to lamp post naked’ or ‘comedian crying’.

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

My boyfriend.


What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?

All sorts, they’re very smart audiences and they like it when you give them a bit of a dig. Scottish people know who they are and that is essential for an audience member to be able to take a joke 
15 Favourite joke?

None that work when written down.

Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Haggis supper and a glass bottle of bru.

Tiff Stevenson’s new stand up show ‘Seven’ will be at the Assembly Roxy Upstairs for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com