Fringe Q&As: Charlie Baker on Rob Roy and why Scotland has "everything"

It's my most personal and funniest show yet. I think I've got the ratio of stand up to song just right in this one. 'Just The One' refers to many things in my life from my diet to my marriage to our family situation. It's all punctuated with musical one hit wonders. There's also a murder and some dancing! I always try and put on a 'proper show' in Edinburgh.

Best thing about the Fringe?

Thousands of creative people making new things. That's a great energy to be amongst. 

Worst thing about the Fringe?

It's a week too long. And that it takes place during the summer holidays when I'd like to be camping and travelling with my wife and son. 

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

As a comedian, 9 years but I did some shows as a teenager with various youth companies. Over half my life. It definitely has informed the way I live. 

Favourite Fringe venue?

The George Square area where I'm performing has become really special. The McEwan Hall is pretty great when it's full and rocking too.

Best Fringe memory?

My last show 'Bakers Dozen' was a word of mouth hit. We didn't get a review for two and a half weeks but kept selling out and also the other comics kept coming which is when you know it's going ok. Also right at the start of my comedy career I won a 'So You Think You’re Funny' semi final in the Gilded Balloon, which suddenly made it feel like a possible job. That, at the time, was mind blowing. 

Best heckle?

I got called a Devonshire teapot once but no heckle is a good heckle 

Craziest on stage experience?

It was from the audience. I was watching Bobby Crush as Liberace and by accident his piano turned into a harpsichord and got stuck on that sound. The show could not go on; unless an unexpected part of the Liberace story was that during his Vegas years he started to play in the Baroque style. No stage crew were forthcoming and Bobby/Liberace appealed to the audience for help. I found myself a bit drunk fixing Liberace's Vegas piano while he improvised around me. The show COULD go on.

What’s on your rider?

Water, bananas and peppermint tea. Dull hey?

How do you wind down after a show?

A pint or two, a nice single malt and some good music

What do you love about Scotland?

It's got everything: history, incredible scenery, brilliant cities, amazing fish and chips, and nice and crazy people. Great booze. The Western Isles are a perfect holiday and unlike Wales you don't have to pay to get in. 

What do you like about Edinburgh?

Its beauty and sense that anything is possible.

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

I sang ‘The Ballad of Balquhidder’ in Balqhuidder at a wedding in a church where Rob Roy is buried. That's pretty Scottish right? 

What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?

Good ones. They know comedy and will sniff you out if you're found wanting. 

Favourite joke?

The next one I write that gets a big laugh. 

Charlie Baker will be performing ‘Just The One’ nightly at 8.40pm throughout the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Assembly George Square: The Box.