Comedian Kate Smurthwaite introduces her show and the Frankie Boyle quote on her flyers.

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

I started in 2004 with no intention of making a career of it, I loved comedy, always have, and I just wanted to challenge myself. But I loved it and stuck at it, prioritising it over work, friends, relationships, everything!

And I'm never happy with where I'm at. I'm always looking at the next thing, at how I can get my work to a wider audience. But it's important to look back sometimes too and celebrate successes. I've been a panellist on Question Time, I've written for Have I Got News For You and I'm really proud of the work I do combining comedy with lots of political activism.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

A comedy show about choice and freedom, the feminist movement, the treatment of asylum seekers, Couples Come Dine With Me and edible pants.

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

Why not? Who wants to live their life next to the photocopier? I'd do Edinburgh every month if I could...

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I've written a left-wing, feminist, atheist, high-brow comedy show. My audience knows who they are and are usually smart enough to find me. Also I've printed up several thousand photos of my own face next to a glaring typo cos I don't want to take any chances.

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

I'll be quite happy to break even. And thanks to the PBH Free Fringe and the generosity of my audiences that's a goal that is at least loosely achievable.

6. What's your weirdest past Fringe experience?

A few years ago I hired a flyerer with a foot-high Mohican. It was great cos I could always spot him on the Mile, and he stood out and people noticed him. One day we went down to Cowgate and as he turned sideways suddenly and a pigeon flew straight into his hair. To this day I cannot picture it without slightly losing it.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

I really struggle to see much else with all the shows and spots I do myself but if I possibly can I will catch Kirsty Mac, Deborah Frances-White, Chris Coltrane, Mister Meredith, Bridget Christie, Jenny Collier, Njambi McGrath and James Ross.

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

If I could revive the dead I think I probably shouldn't be running comedy shows!

But aside from that it'd be John Oliver, Roseanne Barr, Ellen De Generes and Mark Steel. And the ghost of Joyce Grenfell would headline.

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

Frankie Boyle. He described me as hypocritical, incompetent and mendacious and it made me laugh so much I put it on my flyers!

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

Well if high-brow, left-wing, feminist, atheist, political comedy is your bag, there isn't all that much choice to be honest. If not, that's ok, enjoy your Fringe...

'Kate Smurthwaite: The Wrong Sort of Feminist' is at 8:20pm at Ciao Roma on 8-16, 18-29 August. Listing