Horse McDonald talks about her new show, Careful. 

1 Tell us about your Fringe show

These are stories from my life. The ‘stuff’ at the core of me and what has shaped me. From childhood to adulthood. The drama and the joy. Experiences which most people will identify with in some shape or form. At the Centre of the play is ‘Careful’ one of my most popular songs.

I have never done anything like this before. It’s quite possibly the biggest challenge of my life.

Lynn Ferguson is writing it. She is so good at telling a story, gleaning the very essence at the heart of each frame.

Maggie Kinloch is directing and she is the ultimate teacher. It feels like, for this first experience, she is a safe pair of hands. Together, the three of us, just work. It feels like it was meant to be.

2 Best thing about the Fringe?

The atmosphere in the city is amazing plus the opportunity to see a massive selection of shows from all over the world on your own doorstep. 

3 Worst thing about the Fringe?

Too many people to get anywhere fast ...

4 How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

I can’t remember but it’s often.

5 Favourite Fringe venue?

I played at St Brides some years ago and really loved it, also the Palladium, along from Broughton St, where I did several nights in a row. This year’s venue the national museum probably will take some beating - it is a wondrous place.
6 Best Fringe memory?

At the Assembly rooms I sang ‘Bring him home’ (from Les Mis - I do like a challenge!) as my last song ... you could have heard a pin drop and after my last breath there was silence for just a moment. I opened my eyes, grown men were crying. I was as stunned as the audience. A very special night indeed.
7 Best heckle?

Maybe not technically a heckle but a darn fine ‘spoiler’! I was in the midst of a really sad and personal song my eyes were tightly shut. I began to hear what I thought was laughter not just from the band but the audience ... I opened one eye to see a woman being dragged away pulling her T shirt up to her neck with a glazed look on her face - must have been a ‘taps aff' kind of day because she was completely naked under the T shirt showing off her cupcakes - I had still have visions to this day. Tom Jones eat your heart out!

8 Craziest on stage experience?

Being chased by a fan around the stage trying to kiss me. She managed to get up 6ft onto the stage. Security weren't paying any attention - they clearly didn't know how determined my fans can be. She got her arms around my neck and eventually security were trying to get her off me there - were four of us going around in circles on the stage with her arms firmly locked round my neck... I kept singing of course!
9 What’s on your rider?

Being called Horse I avoid the term ‘rider’ ha ha - water, water and water ... I could say blue M+M s but that’s so passe’
10 How do you wind down after a show?

The Archers -joking - (actually that’s later!) I’m usually travelling on elsewhere so lots of chat with the band. This is solo so I may just have to have ‘a word with myself!’
11 What do you love about Scotland?

Ra people and achingly beautiful scenery particularly up north - mountains that meet the sea ...
12 What do you like about Edinburgh?

I always feel like I’m on holiday when I’m there and although it’s a city it is still easy to circumnavigate ...

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

Singing on a very big stage very high up at the castle opening for John Martyn, wearing a kilt ...
14 Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Tunnocks Tea cakes, Black pudding, Arbroath Smokies and not together I might add.

Horse McDonald: Careful is on at Gilded Balloon at the Museum until August 29.