Fringe comedy debut: Benny Davis
Human Jukebox appears for his debut solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013
What do you think might work out as the best piece of advice you receive ahead of your Fringe debut?
One word: plastics.
What do you expect will be the least useful piece of advice?
One word: Dracula.
Imagine this is September: looking back at August, what would constitute a successful Fringe?
Well, if I'm imagining it's September, that means I made it through August. That means it was successful.
In krugerrands, how much do you expect to lose during the Fringe?
(Googles krugerrand … ) Oh. I get it. They're really valuable. So it wouldn't be much then. Good one, List.
Back in the old days, there used to be a thing called 'the festival shag'. Is this ancient tradition likely to play any part in your thinking during August?
As a male of the species, there's little I do that isn't in the pursuit of a shag, festival or otherwise. Just ask my girlfriend.
Back in the old days, comedians would drink alcohol solidly for a whole month and still manage to get out and do their show every day: how much are you likely to imbibe per day?
I don't really understand the question: so you measure how much you drink? Is this more of that krugerrand nonsense?
What qualities do you expect from a Fringe venue?
A stage, with an audience facing it. That's not sardonic, that's completely in earnest. I've played ‘venues’ that are the corner of a pub next to a cigarette machine, and the people playing pool only face you some of the time.
Will you read your reviews before your run is over and if so, how do you think they will affect you as a comedian and as a human being?
Why do you think any of us do this? I am fuelled by your compliments and your disapproval is my kryptonite. Yeah, I may read your stupid reviews. I think I have adequately answered both questions.
Next year, will you consider returning as a double act?
Yeah of course. I will probably also consider going back to university, becoming an astronaut, getting a real job, going into hiding somewhere in South America, and marrying Mila Kunis. In fact I'll consider the last one right now.
If you are in a double act, will you consider returning solo next year?
Yeah, take THAT, imaginary performance partner! You're a loser, I'm taking this straight to the top without you. Best decision I ever made was to dream you existed and then fire you. So long, dickhead!
Do you undertake any superstitious rituals before going on stage?
Well yeah, but they're nothing to do with going on stage.
If you were about to perform at the Fringe for your 10th year, where would you expect your career to be at that point?
Probably in Edinburgh still. Why, are they thinking of moving the Fringe?
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, 3–26 Aug (not 12), 10.45pm, £9.50–£10.50 (£8.50–£9.50). Previews 31 Jul–2 Aug, £5.