Mark Smith talks about his new show Old Smudge.
Tell us about your Fringe show
My show is about how I believe most people are faking it and pretending to know what they’re doing. I think a lot of people are just trying to keep their heads down and not get found out for the fraud that they are, I certainly feel that way. It’s interspersed with jokes about jacking off.
Best thing about the Fringe?
Seeing my friends for a whole month and living with cool people.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
Forgetting the names of people that you’ve met loads of times but who you can’t possibly admit that to because it’s gone too far and that would make you the worst person in Edinburgh.
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
This will be my eighth fringe, including sketch comedy stuff. This is my 3rd solo stand up show.
Favourite Fringe venue?
I love the Pleasance Courtyard but to be honest there are loads of good venues on the Free Fringe. It feels like how I imagine the fringe would have been 20 years ago. I think in a good way?
Best Fringe memory?
Probably the first time I saw Susan Honk do her slut-shaming bit.
Best heckle?
A guy fell asleep on the front row once, not really a heckle but it was definitely something.
Craziest on stage experience?
I was MC'ing a gig in East London when a cat sauntered onto the stage during one of the acts and took a s**t right there. Right on it. Right there on it. Difficult to come back from a gig like that.
What’s on your rider?
Don’t really have a rider but I tend to have a humble pint of lager before a gig and a good old sit down with some music, usually something like King Tubby or Madlib.
How do you wind down after a show?
Exactly the same as above.
What do you love about Scotland?
Nessie and Archie Gemmill. I’m a Derby County supporter that was easy. We just love Nessie in Derby.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It’s so beautiful. In a way the Fringe ruins that because it completely covers up so much of the city. It’s a great place to visit outside of the Fringe.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
I’m not sure they have a type of joke really. I think it’s like any series of crowds. Some people love some stuff, some people hate it. I’d probably avoid jokes about cricket or football in Scotland though just because they don’t play those up there.
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Scottish breakfast. I never thought I would get on board with the whole haggis thing but to be fair to it, it’s won me over. Still can’t really drink Irn Bru though.
Mark Smith: Old Smudge is at the Cowgate Head 6th-28th August, 5.30pm. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com
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