James Wilson-Taylor talks about his new show Ginger is the New Black.
1 Tell us about your Fringe show
I’m basically trying to make gingers cool again and figure out why we’ve always been kind of hated. I’m gonna make Ed Sheeran less boring, turn Ron Weasley into a sex symbol and debunk all the stereotypes – especially the one about redhead vampires.
2 Best thing about the Fringe?
All the best acts in the world are within walking distance of each other. You can wander around a beautiful city and just keep stumbling upon amazing entertainment. Plus the 5am license doesn’t hurt.
3 Worst thing about the Fringe?
It’s a constant party and there are only so many nights you can dance to Mr Brightside in Espionage off your face on Vodka red bull before you go insane.
4 How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?
I grew up in Edinburgh so I’ve attended my whole life but this is my fourth year performing – two years with my Doctor Whosical show and with BatFan in 2015.
5 Favourite Fringe venue?
The big purple cow is always fun. I mean…it’s a big purple cow – what’s not to like?
6 Best Fringe memory?
Eddie Izzard in an 80 seater at the Pleasance working out how to do his next arena show in French.
7 Best heckle?
My director on my last show played the voice of a puppet and used to heckle me the whole time. The bit was supposed to last three minutes but would go on for at least twice that once he got going. He’s a secret performer really.
8 Craziest on stage experience?
I had a lady on tour get out of her wheelchair and climb up onstage trying to join in. Turns out she’d just had a hip replacement and was on some serious painkillers. So yeah, that was memorable.
9 What’s on your rider?
Red bull and lots of it.
10 How do you wind down after a show?
Swift pint and maybe watch a show.
11 What do you love about Scotland?
It’s my home nation – my family all still live in Edinburgh so it’s great to come back for the month and visit.
12 What do you like about Edinburgh?
Besides my family I’d say Oink!, the Dominion Cinema, Murrayfield on match day and the best collection of pubs you’ll come across in the UK.
13 What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Delivered the full, epic version of Tam O’shanter at a Burns Supper. Took ages to learn and left my brain the minute I’d finished speaking.
14 What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?
Scottish fringe crowds normally come out on a Saturday and they are always just up for anything. The songs always go down very well too – it’s a musical nation.
15 Favourite joke?
What’s a pirate’s favourite dating app? Shiver me tinders.
16 Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Square sausage in a morning roll with a tattie scone. Can’t be beaten. Also Mackie’s ice cream needs to come to London.
James Wilson-Taylor will perform Ginger is the New Black at Underbelly until August 28.
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