Larry Deans new stand up show Fandan will be at the Monkey Barrel Basement for the month of August.

1. Tell us about your Fringe show

First and foremost it's an hour of funny. That's the most important thing to me. Though listening back to recent preview shows I've realised that it's also a show about acceptance. Acceptance of myself, others and of opinions that differ to my own. So if nothing else it should be interesting to read the reviews! All could change though between now and August. It's always very fluid at this point so for all I know it could end up being a show about refusing to accept anything. And I accept that. 

2. Best thing about the Fringe?

The city is buzzing. It's 24/7 so there's always something going on. Which I love. I also don't have to drive to any gigs for a month because everything's just a walk away.

3. Worst thing about the Fringe?

The city is buzzing. Seriously, it's 24/7. There's always something going on and it's hard to get away from. Which I hate. I also miss my car.

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

This will be my seventh. Although the first four years I was just doing short spots on compilation shows so only my last two years have been proper, full-fat, solo show Fringe. There's definitely more stress involved with a solo show. For one thing I'm incapable of performing an entire hour well if I'm hungover so I haven't drank during the the last two. Which can be frustrating when that's what all your mates are doing. It's like being the only sober one at a party except that I don't even get the browny points for driving everybody home. Damn car.

5. Favourite Fringe venue?

I genuinely can't remember where a gig is until I get into the room. Even after so many years. It's terrible. I've done over 600 gigs during my time at the Fringe and still I can't answer this question without thinking of somewhere else. There are just too many to choose from. The festival sees gigs crammed into every nook and cranny the city has to offer. You've got 'em on buses, in caves, in hallways. I've even seen acts take their show into the street when they've run out of time in their venue.

6. Best Fringe memory? 

I genuinely have so many. Another safe answer I know, but it's true. I think the year of my first solo show was probably the best though. I'm not the most confident person offstage so having people come to see my show, enjoy it, and then occasionally wait around to tell me - that was such a lovely surprise. It made me realise I wasn't necessarily a fool for wanting to be funny. Also I love the feeling I get at the end of each Fringe when I finally get to see my car again.

7. Best heckle?

I did this gag about being a middle class Glaswegian while I was in Liverpool. It got nothing. Then some guy shouted out “The Titanic was made in Belfast mate!” Leaving me confused as to what the hell he was on about “That has absolutely nothing to do with anything I’ve said, mate.” “Yeah, its a fact though…” “Right?” I said, still confused “Just like how it’s a fact that you're not funny!" 

8. Craziest on stage experience?

In a gig I did in Egypt with one of my favourite comedians, Adam Bloom, who is a straight, white and (most importantly) very funny comedian. I was warned by a few different people before travelling to Egypt that the Muslim staff at the gig would likely be extremely homophobic and that I should be careful. The gig we were doing was in glass walled bar by the beach with internal and external speakers, so people would sit on chairs outside and watch from there. Far from an ideal atmosphere. I was the opening act for the gig that night and the first ten minutes were uneventful. I was doing my jokes and at least a few people were laughing. Then I started talking about being a non-stereotypical gay man and how I like the term 'bender'

Then two butch women who were walking past outside ran into the gig and started screaming at me for being homophobic. It's clear that they'd heard less than half of what I'd actually said, so I tried to explain to them that I am gay and that I had been making a point about language, but by this point they'd grabbed the microphone out of my hand and were telling everyone off. Me and the audience. Then an angry little camp man who was presumably friends with the girls walked in and shouted “Oh isn’t it great, we’re all just laughing it up at homophobia" which we were to be fair, just not in the way he meant. They thought it was homophobic, so I cant fault them for that. The thing that really made the gig though was the Muslim staff I’d been warned about. Rushing in to calm the situation down, one of them ran up to the women and the man and said “let the other gay man talk please, he's funny”. Then, as if all that wasn't enough, someone shouted out “TELL A STRAIGHT JOKE!”. Which was a great heckle to be fair, so I dealt with it the best I could...

9. How do you wind down after a show?

I usually go for a long walk and have a phone chat with a mate in my car. Not very rock and roll but I like it.

10 What do you love about Scotland?

It's home. 

11. What do you like about Edinburgh?

Its beautiful and easy to get to from Glasgow.

12. Favourite Scottish food/drink?

Iced ginger cake and Irn Bru.

13. Sum up your show in three words

Funny. Silly. Car.

Larry Deans new stand up show Fandan will be at the Monkey Barrel Basement for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com