Mike Orton-Toliver talks about his new show, Jacuzzi.
Tell us about your Fringe show
We’re doing “Jacuzzi” – it’s the FA’s signature show, performed weekly down at our London space. We get comedians to tell truthful, sometimes overly-personal stories and then we improvise scenes based of those stories. Simple. Fun. Hilarious.
Best thing about the Fringe?
The energy. I know that’s such an easy answer, but it’s true. The vibe of the whole festival is electric. It cannot be denied. Unless it rains, then it’s not worth it and we all go inside.
Oh, and the late night food trucks! After a day of flyering, shows, and weather, I had the most delicious hamburger, served by a lovely guy named Roger.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
The late night food trucks. Five pounds for chips?! What the hell is wrong with you Roger?!
How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I’m still new. Came up about three years ago. Plan to be coming for the rest of eternity. Gulp.
Favourite Fringe venue?
Pleasance Courtyard. It’s the best combo of beautiful Edinburgh architecture and bustling festival fever. I spend about 70 per cent of my fringe there. Specifically, the Upstairs venue. Hear there’s a great improv show there at 11 o’clock.
Best Fringe memory?
I once head-butted someone in a show – that was pretty cool… For me.
Best heckle?
It’s tough to heckle improv. We roll with the punches. One guy wouldn’t give us good suggestions, though, so I head butted him.
Craziest on stage experience?
One of the FA players fainted during a show. I think that’s pretty cool.
What’s on your rider?
You get riders at the Fringe?
How do you wind down after a show?
Can’t. Not enough time. You’re usually on your way to do another show. And, if not that then you’re off to bed so you can wake up and do another show. Also, drugs.
What do you love about Scotland?
Loads. What’s not to love about Scotland? Wait. Is Scotland going through a low-confidence right now?
Hey! Scotland! You’re cool Scotland. Seriously. Super cool. Everyone loves you. Snap out of it.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The people. Every time I get into a taxi, buy a coffee at a café or sit down at a restaurant, I know I’m going to have a nice chat with a lovely Edinburgher - Usually about how much they don’t like the Fringe.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Edinburgh and never walked up Arthur’s Seat. People tell me that’s a real Scottish thing to do.
What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
You could make fun of the English – that might go well. But I think Scottish audience are just like any other: Smart, intelligent, beautiful and totally free at 11pm from now until August 21st. (Pleasance Upstairs!)
Favourite joke?
Your face.
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Pizza. No wait. I’m joking. Haggis on pizza.
The Free Association, Jacuzzi, is on at the Pleasance Courtyard until August 21.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here