Loyiso Gola talks about his new show, Dude, Where’s My Lion?

Tell us about your Fringe show

The show is a contemporary African perspective of issues world issues. I am trying to find the balance between absolute silliness and seriousness. The show touches on my upbringing, learnings and the trying to navigate my life with those teachings. Oh yeah I talk about Apartheid a lot. 

Best thing about the Fringe?

I love the fact I get to perform every day. I also look forward to seeing other comics' shows and more importantly 'summer' in Scotland. 

Worst thing about the Fringe?

I hate the overwhelming indecisiveness ... because there is are so to see.

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

It's my fourth time this year. I came the first time to do open spots, the second time I came to do an ensemble show and the last time I was at the festival I was did a solo show. 

Favourite Fringe venue?

The Pleasance venues are cool.... I don't remember the names. I use my memory for important things like remembering the alphabet.

Best Fringe memory?

Trevor Noah winning an award at Festival and we went out to celebrate afterwards. That was an epic night

Best heckle?                 

I don't remember heckles.

Craziest on stage experience?            

My craziest stage experience was doing comedy to 200 Chinese tourists who didn't speak an ounce of English. That bombed real bad. 

What’s on your rider?

Water... I stay hydrated. 

How do you wind down after a show?

I dissect the show and then I usually have a drink at the bar. 

What do you love about Scotland?

I love the fact that they think they speak English. 

What do you like about Edinburgh?

They have castles....  that's very cool about Edinburgh.

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

I ate black pudding and I remember thinking maaaan that a pudding.

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

Scottish people laugh at themselves a lot if mocked tactfully. These don't respond well to race jokes funnily enough. 

Favourite joke?

Do you know what it means when your boss pays you minimum wage. They are saying if I could pay you less I would... it's just against the law - Chris Rock.

Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Haggis? 

Loyiso Gola: Dude, Where’s My Lion? is at the Pleasance Courtyard at 8pm, 3rd – 29th August (except 15th) as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com