Masud Milas talks about his debut stand up show, Routes.
Tell us about your Fringe show
The show’s about me growing up in Hong Kong and my family. A place which none of us are from by the way, I should point that out, so it’s a weird place to grow up.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
Feels good, I’ve been to watch shows here before so it’s great to be able to do one.
Best live act seen?
I saw something called “Blam!” a few years back, it was this Danish Theatre show with these guys that were bored in an office and they start messing around with the stationary and furniture and it just gets crazy out of hand.
Best thing about the Fringe?
You’ll find something that you like, I came here once thinking: I dunno if I’ll find a show or anything I’d like to see. But I was wrong I saw the brochure and sat under a mountain of flyers in the Pleasance courtyard and there’s loads to see.
Worst thing about the Fringe?
There’s almost too much, it can be a little overwhelming. I know people who do weekend trips where they just go from show to show for two days solid. That’s not a bad thing but it sounds pretty exhausting.
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a chef when I was a kid. Maybe own a restaurant. Then have Gordon Ramsey come in and totally slate it.
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
I always brush my hair before I go on, I don’t know why. Now its sort of evolved into this pre-gig thing.
Worst on stage experience?
Usually, its heckle or silence. A few years ago in the middle of a bit someone got racist. Before I went on I could see these guys (who had also spotted me) making monkey faces at me, I went on and halfway through a bit one of them shouted some racial slur. I was tired and didn’t handle it well, I just dropped the mic, said screw it and walked out.
How do you recover from a hefty heckle?
Define hefty. If it gets racist, yeah you should probably say something. I wouldn’t say they’re a set stock, but they’re replies. Usually you try not to encourage them.
What do you love about Scotland?
The people are pretty nice and the food compliments the weather.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
It’s a fairly easy city to get around, most of what you need is close. Oh yeah and they built a city on top of the old one, I find that kinda funny. It sounds like a very Hong Kong approach to problem solving.
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I don’t know how to answer that, I have a Scottish friend who likes to drink…so..drinking?
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
Hmmm let’s see…Larry Dean’s pretty good.
Favourite joke?
That Seinfeld bit about the “Dryclean only” label I can’t do it justice here, you have to find a video of it.
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
I have to say cheese chips and gravy. They’re probably my three favourite things in one package.
Masud Milas makes his Edinburgh Festival debut with his stand up show ‘Routes’ at the Underbelly Clover Room Bristo Square for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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