Harriet Dyer: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Harriet Dyer answers 10 questions about her 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show...

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

Oh what a jaunt it's been thus far. I started properly gigging in the year of 2010. I learnt all I know at the School of Bodacious Guffaws taught by Rick Stein. Before he took over Padstow.

It's only a matter of time until overpriced crustaceans run him out of town on the rusty bicycle which I am yet to get back.

I told myself that as long as I keep progressing I shall cease to put out the chip pan fire. I'm still progressing at present but my hair smells awful.

The dream is to wake with all my teeth and to be able to fill little rooms from just my name. Not a fake name. I love having an hour. I treat it like a school project. Although I don't sniff glue anymore.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (but mix them up, keep us guessing!).

1. When I was 17 I died and had to be resuscitated back to life twice.

2. I once ate 29 Cornish pasties in a row without any liquid to wash them down.

3. My dad left my mum after 30 years of marriage for another man.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

Show 1: Barking Tales
Menagerie of comedians splurging face words in story or material form that somehow relate to mental health in a bid to reduce stigma.

Show 2: We'd prefer someone a bit more mainstream
Voices. Big bag of dicks. 90's music. OFF-THE-GRID. Inventive, whimsical and full of tender moments? Be still your beating heart. This.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I'm going to send the Edinburgh tourist board a piece of my anatomy every day until my room's filled resulting in either the rooms being filled or me evaporating from existence due to my lack of anatomy. Both I think we'll all agree are winning situations.

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

I'm going to avoid alcohol for the duration of the Fringe. If past years are anything to go by this will go awfully. Although this year i've acquired the mindset of a resiliently coarse otter.

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

Living next to Manchester's most famous convent and awaking each day to the sound of chewing tobacco being spat into an empty tin can.

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

Caber Tossing.

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

Daniel Kitson
Paul Foot
Zoe Lyons
MC: Lee Kyle

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

Dastardly Dick from Whacky Races because I do not have time for his inane and unnecessary mischief.

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

I'm a kind hearted gal with pep in my step and a zest for making whoever may or may not be reading this laugh.

'Harriet Dyer: 'We'd Prefer Someone a Bit More Mainstream'' is at Cowgatehead at 5:30pm until the 27th August. Listing

'Harriet Dyer - Barking Tales (Showcase)' is at T-Bar at 2:15pm until the 27st August. Listing