Damian Kingsley: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Damian Kingsley answers 10 questions about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show.

Give us a quick overview of your comedy career so far. Are you happy with where you're at?

I started in 2009 (although I did a couple of open mics when I was living in Tokyo). Since then I've been back in the UK smashing it. I'm known as "the roof-smasher" or the "RSJ nemesis". I'm a structural liability without the right level of insurance to cover the damage. I turn gigs al fresco.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

1. I'm known as "the roof-smasher".

2. I once had a full-on argument with Sir Paul McCartney at a barbecue because he wouldn't accept my contention that his fame involved an element of luck.

3. I love puns.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

It's a masterclass in comic storytelling and self delusion. Or, on a serious note, to have fun and support a great cause - the charity Shelter.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

Hopefully people will come in because I've spent the last 4 months doing a penniless tour, from Land's End to Edinburgh, for Shelter, the bad-housing and homelessness charity, and they want to support a great charity and hear about the reasons behind me doing the tour.

What's your plan for trying to eat - and drink - healthily during the Fringe?

I've spent the last 4 months relying on strangers for food so I'll eat and drink what I want.

What will you miss most while you're away from home?

I'm from Hastings in East Sussex so it will be weird not being near much racism for a while but I'm sure it will still be there when I get back.

Aside from performing, what else are you looking forward to doing in Scotland's fine capital?

I'm really looking forward to having long conversations with PR people about how well their clients' shows are going.

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

I'd book all the comics who've been a bit rude or dismissive to me over the years and put a massive bill board outside the venue saying "free entry and shots for stag and hen groups".

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

The Dalai Lama. Some people have been saying there's a spiritual element to the penniless tour I've just done and, because of that, I've (quite reasonably) started comparing myself to him but saying the comparison is also flawed because he's not that funny. I've heard on the grapevine that he's not amused (which sort of proves my point).

Why should audiences pick your show over the 1,800+ other Fringe offerings listed on BCG this year?

Not all of them should. I think it's really important to get the right crowd to the show so maybe it isn't right for some people. If they love puns or one liners, for example, then it's not for them. I'd really like people to come in if they enjoy storytelling. It's funny but pretty bleak and serious at times and that isn't for everyone.

'Knock Knock' is at Bar 50 at 3:30pm on 4-28 Aug. Listing