Adam Larter
Published: Tuesday 6th August 2019
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's person is Adam Larter, Lord of the Weirdos, a Wu Tang-like crew who do more to embody the Fringe spirit than all of your improvised sci-fi murder musicals and blokes on stilts put together.
You may have heard about Larter's own solo outing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, Good Morning Croissant, as it's a typically elaborate logistical challenge. "My new show is set in a cardboard supermarket," Larter explains. "It has 200 props and it's very clever and slick."
'Slick' Larter: that's what his crew no doubt call him. You may not have heard about a bunch of epic-sounding Weirdos shows also taking place in Edinburgh during August, however. The collective's first multi-act Fringe outings for a good few years are happening at a venue that is both (a) grand and (b) appropriate.
"Weirdos are creating three one-off shows at the Bedlam Theatre," he reveals. "These shows are not in the brochure!"
This off-menu mirth is co-produced with Heroes of Fringe, and "the first show is going to be a Street Food Conference - which is exactly what it sounds like," says Slick. "The second one is entitled Weirdos vs The Glang where two alternative comedy institutions battle it out for an hour, and the third is entitled Dorito Fish: Origins where we finally explore the backstory of everyone's favourite character and crisp-fish."
About time, too. Adam Larter, your Random 8 await.
What was your childhood career dream?
As a child I wanted to be a politician, then I studied politics at university and I became really sad about how politics actually works. If I had known I could have been a writer I would have definitely had that dream.
Your most interesting injury?
A glass once fell on my head and split it open in Camden.
Ever met a surprisingly great or awful celebrity?
The Queen is really rude.
I almost got kicked out of Buckingham Palace for asking her for an interview (I was 18 and there at a Year of the Volunteer celebration).
Do you have a favourite shop?
Cass Art in Islington. I get almost all my art supplies from there. It's really big and it's on my walk home. It's also nice to look around.
Which historical figure should get more attention?
James Randi - the magician.
What's the best thing you've ever bought?
My ET puppet. I got it from a charity called the Toy Project. They are lovely people. I ran the half marathon for them last year.
Do you have a signature dance move?
I spin one leg around.
What's the weirdest thing in your wardrobe?
A blue Bargain Hunt t-shirt (I have never been on Bargain Hunt - my uncle found it in a charity shop).
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