Aatif Nawaz explains that his show has been 7 years in the making...

1. Tell us about your career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

Thrilled. I spent the last 7 years honing my craft, working on my voice, my delivery to get to a point where I felt comfortable putting something out there. I have a small following for my stand-up but I've not often courted the mainstream with my work. Now... with this show... I'm ready to take the next step.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

Tackling Islamophobia One Joke At A Time. Creating a bridge of tolerance and understanding between culture. By popular demand, some fart jokes included.

3. Why are you putting yourself through this famously stressful experience?

I really believe in the message of my show. I really and truly have something to say and I think it's really fun. To perform a show 24 nights in a row with conviction and gusto, you have to be in love with it. I'm ready to elope to Edinburgh with my show.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Probably flash the ol' baby blues... not my eyes... my shoes... very shiny baby blue loafers.

Also a bit of singing. I was deeply inspired by the magical beckoning voices of George Michael, Michael Bubble and the One Pound Fish Man. Great men.

5. How much money do you think you'll lose/make this year?

It's my first time. I've heard all the horror stories and done a ton of research. I will hopefully not stray too far from my overall budget.

I try not to think of it as 'losing money' more 'investing in myself'. Some buy a fancy car. Some slum it working tirelessly to perform for total strangers for free. As long as I have enough money in my account to buy a bar of Scottish tablet for each of my immediate family members, it's a win.

6. What are you most looking forward to about your first Edinburgh Festival?

I'm intrigued by the community and camaraderie of comedians and performers. It'll be inspiring just to be around so many talented performers. Will also be keeping a tally of how many times I heard the words 'call-back', 'opener', 'bringer', 'stormed it' and bucket without losing my mind.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Bobby Mair's show. Tez Illyas's show. James Veitch's show. Sajeela Kershi, Anil Desai, Don Biswas, Bob Walsh... there are squillions.

8. If you took over programming a venue, what would you perfect line-up of comedians be?

It would be a Jim Davidson/Imran Yusuf double-act for 30 nights. What? It's my fantasy...

9. Name the one person you'd rather not bump into during the festival.

The Loch Ness Monster. I've searched for Nessie for years. To meet her during my Fringe debut will be so anti-climactic, it would completely throw me off my game.

10. Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,700+ other comedy offerings at this year's festival?

It is guaranteed to be something completely different from every other show this year. It's 7 years in the making. It's very topical. And it has an important message. Plus I'll be snapchatting pictures of my favourite crowd-members... so... you know... micro-social-media fame awaits!

'Aatif Nawaz: Muslims Do it 5 Times a Day' is at 10:15pm at Just The Tonic at the Caves on 7-18, 20-29 August. Listing