Top Joe seems like a top guy. Here's his answers to our 10 questions...

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

I'm not sure what my career is yet but I'm happy with how things are going. I started performing in 2014 and have been exploring different types of performance - clown, comedy, performance art. I put it off for 10 years, so am trying to make up for lost time.

2. Describe your show in exactly 23 words.

Top Joe (me) has left the house and is looking to make friends. Expect philosophy, Buddhism, expired vouchers, cassette tapes, hi-vis and confusion.

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

Where else in the world could you perform everyday and earn money from it, whilst doing what you love and developing your act? I think it can only be stressful if you set expectations for yourself. Before I arrived I admitted to myself that I haven't a clue what I'm doing; this has helped a lot.

4. Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Be friendly and tell them what your show's about. Offer them a free drink (true, if you've seen my show). Tell them you were on telly (You've Been Framed).

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

Actually making money. I haven't paid to be in the official brochure and am keeping things grass-roots. PBH is the key.

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

Interactions with audiences. Meeting other performers. Seeing some out-there shows.

7. What other shows are you hoping to see?

Beard: The Grin of Love, Twisted Loaf, Butt Kapinski, Richard Gadd, Brickhead: Yeah Yeah, Fake It Till You Make it - Bryony Kimmings, O No! - Jamie Wood.

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

Vic & Bob, Sean Morley, Liam Pickford, Andy Kaufman, Paul Foot, Jonathan Kay, Steve Martin, Frank Sidebottom.

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

Dave Lazenby. He charged me £60 for a slow cooker. I don't even like cooking. And if I did, I would want to cook quickly.

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

I can't persuade you. And you won't know what it's like until you come experience the show for yourself. There's no point me trying to sell it to you, because the exchange that takes place during the show is not monetary. If you're wanting to know what you'll get from the show then you have immediately brought the wrong attitude. Once you 'get' something - you for-get. But if you come preparing to give - then you will for-give. And forgiveness is the basis of being human. But don't worry, it's funny too. Some people cry though.

'Leaving The House, With Top Joe' is at 8pm at George Next Door on 8-29 August. Listing