Paul Flannery: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Paul Flannery answers 10 questions about his return to the Fringe with retro show Knightmare Live and The MMORPG Show.

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

I started doing the comedies in 2008 in a musical double act, did my first Fringe in 2010 at the tender age of 30. In 2013 I had an amazing opportunity to produce and star in Knightmare Live (which I grabbed with both hands). The show did, and still does, incredibly well at Edinburgh and has given me opportunities I never thought possible.
This year I've now got a solo show to run alongside Knightmare so yes, I'm really happy with my career so far.

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

1. I have no formal qualifications above GCSE level.
2. I used to work as a chef between acting jobs.
3. I'm currently working on bringing back the Krypton Factor to live theatre.

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

The MMORPG Show is an interactive, improvised role playing game... With jokes! High fantasy escapism from the real world. No questing experience required.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I'm going to run a 'campaign' at some point during the Fringe. So that'll involve a quest stretching over 3-4 shows. Follow me on Twitter to find out more: @piratemoustache

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

I'm fairly healthy when it comes to food, with the shows being so late I'll be cooking a lot for myself. That said I have a date with the Wings place booked (in my mind). So give it a week and my plans might have collapsed under the weight of fried chicken.

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

I miss my other job (weirdly). I'm currently lucky enough to work at the live Crystal Maze experience in London as one of the Maze Masters.

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

I always make a note of going to the Edinburgh memorial on Carlton Hill, The Cheesy Peasy van sells incredible cheeses at the bottom of Marchmont road on Saturdays. I also have an impossible list of shows I want to see but won't be able to.

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

Probably just some of my friends, is that a terrible answer?
Maybe I'll just have one friend and make them do a continuous show all day until they collapsed... Probably Tom Bell.

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

The Demogorgon, he's got it in for me

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

It's genuinely different. A real hour's escape from the world.

'Knightmare Live: The Game Has Changed' is at Pleasance Dome at 7pm on 3-14, 16-28 Aug. Listing
'The MMORPG Show' is at Gilded Balloon at the Counting House at 9:30pm on 3-14, 16-28 Aug. Listing