EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- The Stuntman

Tell us a bit about The Stuntman.

The Stuntman is a high-energy, surreal tale of a lovable idiot, told through clowning, characters, physical comedy, mime and real onstage stunts. Evel Knievel crossed with Wile E. Coyote in Technicolor™ - like a Looney Tunes cartoon live on stage. It's bonkers, slapstick, smut-free and a lovely way to let your imagination run around before lunch.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

I've always dreamed of doing Edinburgh, but I didn't want to take on the world's biggest performing arts festival until I had something I was really proud of. I began my career many years ago in Australia doing Melbourne International Comedy Festival and I've performed sketch, improv, stand-up, clowning, TV, film, Shakespeare... then I had a vision and that vision was my agent telling me to do a solo show. Without Shakespeare. I complied.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

The Stuntman is the only show about a stuntman, except for the other one (Mr Danger, who looks really funny). My aim is maximum fun, a chance for adults to feel like children again without taking psychoactive drugs, although drugs could only enhance the experience. Also my costume is probably the tightest onesie on the Fringe.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

It's not a kid's show but it is family-friendly, if that makes sense. It's advertised as 16+ but I've done a couple of previews to family audiences and I have a lot of experience performing to children, so I'm really flexible to whoever is there on the day. One recent show got gatecrashed by a little boy and I improvised a few scenes with him and it was the best fun. There are adult themes - like the bit where I pretend to be nude (I said 'pretend') - but I tell everything in a big stupid way so there's enough to engage people of all ages.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I simply must go to Jon & Nath Like To Party, mainly because I'm in it - it's my sketch comedy show with Jon Levene and we have a really good time, it's full of outrageous characters, dancing that should be illegal, some pretty hardcore physical comedy and the hottest Jehovah's Witness act in town. (Definitely 16+ though... 3-13 August, 1.30pm @ The Free Sisters.) I want to see the Doug Anthony Allstars, the anarchic Aussie trio of the 80s/90s, who were a huge inspiration for me to become a comedian. Also I will catch The Establishment, a brilliant clown parody of the upper classes by Dan Lees (my director) and Neil Foster. I laugh and learn so much every time I watch these two, they are comedy geniuses.

Timings and ticket information for The Stuntman are available on the edfringe website.

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