Orlando Baxter: Suspensions, Detentions and Summer Vacations.

  1. Tell us about your Fringe show

My show is called Suspensions, Detentions, and Summer Vacations, and it’s centred around my chaotic experiences teaching in American classrooms.

  1. How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

Well I've been wanting to do it for a while now, so to finally be doing it feels amazing.

  1. Live act most looking forward to seeing at Fringe?

Bill Burr.

  1. If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?

I'd be back in Worcester, MA teaching at South High School.

  1. How do you combat pre-gig nerves?

Sometimes I'll say a quick prayer but most of the time I just take a couple of deep breaths and try to relax.

  1. Worst on stage experience?

Early in my career I did this show in a pool hall and it was a nightmare. It was bad enough they had me performing on top of a pool table while people were playing pool and watching TV.  But they also didn't have a spot light and the audio kept cutting off every time I moved, it was easily the worst twenty minutes I have ever had on stage.

  1. How do you recover from a hefty heckle? Do you have a set of stock replies?

I usually try to ignore them at first but if that's not possible I will put all my energy into embarrassing the hell out of them. 

  1. What do you love about Scotland?

I really love the people, they seem pretty down to earth and friendly. 

  1. What do you like about Edinburgh?

It's a beautiful city. I really love the architecture and the castles, feels like I'm on the set of a Harry Potter movie.

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

I ate a hamburger with haggis on top.

  1. Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?

Craig Fergusson.

  1. Favourite joke?

I don't have a favourite joke.

  1. Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Irn Bru.

Orlando Baxter: Suspensions, Detentions and Summer Vacations is on at the Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33) until August 29 (except 15th).