Pippa Evans, the alter-ego of Loretta Maine, returns to the Fringe this year and tells us all about her career to date, a strange encounter with Simon Munnery, and a great comedy line-up.

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

My career began with a brief dalliance with stand-up aged 18, where I realised I had nothing to say after about 20 gigs. I went off to see the world and returned to comedy in 2005, when some friends asked if I would like to be in a short comedy film. There I met Toulson and Harvey - comedy double act. Luke said "I think you've got something" and helped me find my voice.

I went on a stand-up course and started doing improvisation. I soon became a regular on the improv, open mic and character scene. In 2008 I did my first Edinburgh show and was nominated for the If.Comeddie Best Newcomer. I went full time in 2009 with Loretta Maine being my main source of joy on the circuit. Since then I have played loads of festivals, done bits on TV, have seven solo shows under my belt and recently found myself returning to MYSELF.

And I am happy with where I am at. The more I do this job the more I find myself saying SHIT THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN. My Great Aunt Nellie died this year. She was 104. It made me think - You've got ages, Pip. Bloody ages.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

Pippa takes you on a journey of self acceptance whilst singing Simply Red songs, doing silly voices and pretending to be other people.

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

I LOVE EDINBURGH. That being said, there are only three people who enjoy the Edinburgh Festival. Thom Tuck, Phill Jupitus and myself.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Be brilliant.

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

I think this year I will break even. I am on the Free Fringe and it has already cost me about £4,000. WHAT THE HELL IS FREE ABOUT THAT?

6. What's your weirdest past Fringe experience?

Having a drunk Simon Munnery tell me that bits of what I do are quite good after a dire mixed bill show in the old Assembly Rooms. I didn't know who he was - he reminded me of the guy with the shovel in Home Alone.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Holly Burn, Routines and anything at the American High School Musical Festival.

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

Victoria Wood
Whoopi Goldberg
Morecambe & Wise
Zoe Lyons
Brian Conley
Holly Burn
Les Dennis
Russ Abbot
Lou Sanders
Billy Connolly
Lee Evans
Sarah Campbell
Jimmy Carr hosting

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

Ringo Starr. I'd lose my shit. And I need it.

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

Because my show will set them up for the day!

'Pippa Evans: There Are No Guilty Pleasures' is at 1:45pm at Bannermans on 8-9, 11-16, 18-23, 25-29 August. Listing