Micky Bartlett: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Micky Bartlett 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 doing stand-up in 2009 as a bit of a hobby. In 2011 I became a PROFESSIONAL comedian (after I lost my job in a Belfast Dole office, ironically it was the very dole office I was using to sign on as I began my professional career). Since then I've got to work with some of my heroes! I've gigged with Tommy Tiernan, warmed up for Alan Carr and Jack Whitehall. In 2012 I was on a BBC Northern Ireland TV panel show called Monumental, where I got to work with Andrew Maxwell, Jimeoin and Adam Hills. Am I happy with my career at the minute? Yeah! Although everyone has heard of all the comedians I've just mentioned, and I had to blow dry my jeans this morning, I'm still better off than in that bloody dole office.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

1. I can make my "pecs" dance.
2. I've had three things that have appeared on Embarrassing Bodies.
3. I once had a job were everyone thought I was called "Bill", and I never corrected them.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

I recently moved to the country, there is no Internet...this is pretty much what happens when you're stuck in a field with yourself!

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

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

My plan is very well thought out. I've recently purchased a juicer so it'll be all healthy smoothies and shakes in the morning... Quick nip to the gym, a few gigs. Then an early night.

I know for a fact that won't happen! I mean there will be shakes, but they'll be hangover induced.

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

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

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

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

Stewart Lee. I'm a big fan of his work, he saw me performing once. I was doing a small, compilation show during my first Fringe in 2014. The gig was a bit rowdy as there were five or six huge squaddies in the front row. They were making life pretty difficult for most of the comedians. So I decided to do the dirtiest, most revolting material I could think off, in an effort to not get my head kicked in. I finished my set, looked up, and Stewart Lee was looking at me like I'd ruined his Christmas! I don't blame him, but if I ever bump into him again I'm afraid I might just scream "STEWART!!! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!! THEY WERE GOING TO KILL US!!! I READ YOUR BOOK, LOVE ME! PLEASE!!!"

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

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'Micky Bartlett: Blissfully Ignorant' is at Gilded Balloon at 5:15pm on 3-28 Aug. Listing