Comedian Kevin Precious answers our 10 questions ahead of his first Fringe.

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

Started in the mid-90s, and finally went full-time in the mid-noughties, having been a student and a teacher up until that point: which I did with a view to putting my life back on track. I make my living doing this: have gigged at most of the top UK clubs; have gigged alongside some of the top acts in the land; have performed abroad; and run my own promotions under the Barnstormers Comedy banner. So there's enough there to be contented with. But happy? I've never met a single act who didn't feel their that career couldn't be further on in some way... so who knows? It's the best job I've ever had... but happiness? Think that might have more to do with renting an allotment than stand-up comedy.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

Former RE teacher falls out with New Age type, bemoans Facebook request from former associate, and offers metaphysical idea as resolution. What? Exactly.

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

Is it stressful? I've spoken to a number of acts who seem to enjoy the process; particularly those who endorse the affordability of the Free Fringe. I suppose it might be stressful if you've got loads of money riding on the situation, and you're in debt up to your eyeballs; or your expectations are out of line with reality. Why am I doing it? Get gigs. Get better. Have fun.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Well, if I did have, I'm hardly likely to share it here.

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

How vulgar? Whose business is that but mine?

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

Creating something that I'm - reasonably - pleased with.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Haven't given it the least thought. Just getting my own thing together has been all-consuming. Will probably check out a few mates' shows, and keep my ear to the ground as far as recommendations are concerned. Anyone got any? Comedy recommendations, that is.

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

I'm starting to feel a bit jaded here. Being no stranger to programming events the rest of the year, I'm not sure I'd want the responsibility. I'd be more up for some sort of stunt. Rather than programme it, couldn't I just leave it as an empty space and charge people entry on the grounds that there's some sort of high-brow cosmic joke afoot, and not everybody will get it? There's always plenty of room in Edinburgh for another variation on the Emperor's New Clothes isn't there?

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

I try not to think about that. Last year, I went up as a punter for a few days, and I certainly had that experience in reverse... whereby somebody clearly wasn't pleased to see me. After the obligatory reflection, I arrived at the - completely correct - conclusion that the individual concerned isn't the full ticket... which tends towards a comedic consensus on them anyway, I suppose. Honestly though, even if there are people I'd rather not see - which I'd have to think long and hard about - one has to be robust. You can't spend your life avoiding stuff. Besides, we're largely talking about a nice middle class experience here... what's the worst thing that can happen if someone doesn't like you? They write something unpleasant about you on Facebook? In some ways, it would be worse if they just ignored you. Indifference is a far bigger killer of the comedic ego - let alone any ego - I can assure you.

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

They should be discerning. To suggest that my own show is somehow capable of being rated over and above the other 1,700 shows on offer is to miss the point. I would say: "Read the description. If that sounds like something you may wish to engage with, come along. If not, there's plenty of other great stuff out there to cater for your limited outlook."

'Kevin Precious: Gecko' is at 2:15pm at Bar 50 on 6-30 August. Listing