Jason Byrne is wrecked but ready interview

We caught up with Fringe veteran Jason Byrne to find out what his plans are for this year's Edinburgh Festival...

Hi Jason. You've been performing for over two decades at the Fringe now. When you first started out, could you imagine you'd still be going in 2019, and playing rooms like Assembly Hall?

When I began, I thought it would be my only year, and I'd be back off to work. 23 fringes later and I'm still waiting to go back to work; I believe I start back in September. I was an assistant vet by the way.

People say the Fringe has massively changed over the years. Would you agree?

The city is exactly the same, the people too. It's recognised around the world as the biggest festival. There's more venues, more acts and more variety but the one thing that has never changed - and I go there every year in the hope that they'll change it, or at least the items in it - is the museum. Always the same stuff each year. Come on Edinburgh Museum! Step up to the mark and get rid of all the old shite in there.

This year's title is Wrecked But Ready. You're wrecked?

Yes, but I'm ready.

Your programme blurb says 'no one show is the same'...

Well "one" show has to be the same as that would be only "one" show, it can't be different from itself as it exists alone as "one" show. So every "one" show has to be the same as it can't happen again... unless it's The One Show on the BBC. That's always different or viewers wouldn't tune in.

Ed Byrne is also at this year's festival. Do the two of you ever get confused for each other?

Yes, he's 6'2", well-built, smiles and laughs a lot and loves people - we're like twins!

Once the festival is over, you're set to tour the show. Isn't that just going to make you more wrecked?

Well as me auld granny would say, "Stop moaning, it's your job. Get up off your arse, crack a smile and get on the road!" She's so funny and she's dead!!