Russ Peers: 10 Edinburgh Fringe questions

Russ Peers 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 gigging regularly at the start of 2013 and that year made it to the final of So You Think You're Funny? and the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year. I carried on gigging and in 2014 I was runner up in the Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year and also I won the Golden Jester competition in London.

Last year I did a split show at the Fringe with a friend which was a great experience and taught us both loads. This year I'm happy to be doing my first solo show, 40 minutes, and hope it'll be a fantastic opportunity to develop as a stand-up.

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

1. I've seen Steps twice in concert and once met them backstage.

2. I have a degree in Law and Economics.

3. I achieve BAGA level 2 in gymnastics - one away from the top badge!

Describe your new show in exactly 23 words.

Humorous look at attitudes towards gay men and how I do and don't live up to society's expectations of what I should be.

Any cunning plans to get more punters in?

I'll probably promise them that on one night Steps will reform, again, and perform a closing number in the show. Who knows which night it'll be out of the 27?!

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

I'm staying with a friend who has promised to make sure I get my 5 a day. *Mum face*

I also plan to not consume any alcohol until the very end as it's my birthday just after the Fringe finishes. I strongly suspect I'll fail at both.

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

I'll miss what I like to call "The Sofa of Dreams" where I lay and watch far too much telly. And my TiVo box.

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

I'm really looking forward to seeing loads of shows and being jealous at how well my friends are doing and wishing my show was as good as theirs and then feeling bitter about it.

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

I'm assuming this is living or dead. So, Victoria Wood who is my comedy and writing hero, Les Dawson, Dave Allen, Sarah Millican, Jon Richardson, Jimmy Carr, Julian Clary, Amy Schumer, Jason Manford, Lucy Beaumont. How long can this line up be?

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

My old boss from Tesco not because they were horrible but I remember hating the uniform and she would remind me of the terrible grey polyester suit I had to wear.

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

Well it's Pay What You Want so they can get away with throwing a mint imperial in the bucket at the end, and as well as making them laugh I hope they'll leave thinking not all gays are the same. We are all fabulous in our own way.

'Russ Peers: Bad Gay?' is at Gilded Balloon at the Counting House at 10:30pm until the 29th August. Listing