Fringe comedy debut: Suzy Bennett
The comedian appears for the first time 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?
Take vitamins, eat well, sleep and try not to fuck everything up!
What do you expect will be the least useful piece of advice?
Being advised not to worry is generally futile. It is my default setting.
Imagine this is September: looking back at August, what would constitute a successful Fringe?
Selling out at least one show and audiences enjoying themselves. Oh and an invitation to appear in Dancing on Ice 2014 of course!
In krugerrands, how much do you expect to lose during the Fringe?
Even though I spent six weeks in South Africa last year I just had to google 'krugerrand' therefore demonstrating my financial carelessness.
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?
Thinking? Yes, Constantly. 24/7 But doing? Hopefully not …
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 have done one gig drunk. Never again. I will enjoy a few ciders of course, but only after the show. Every year I have a favourite tipple. I was known as Amaretto girl at the Meadow Bar in 2007. I still faintly smell of almonds.
What qualities do you expect from a Fringe venue?
Erm … Air conditioning … Please God!
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?
I am hoping to avoid those or hire someone with a nice sympathetic manner (I’m thinking Davina McCall,Oprah or, erm, Tom Hardy) to read them gently to me and touch my arm comfortingly.
Next year, will you consider returning as a double act?
If Melissa McCarthy is up for it …
Do you undertake any superstitious rituals before going on stage?
Lip balm and blind panic.
If you were about to perform at the Fringe for your tenth year, where would you expect your career to be at that point?
Aside from winning Dancing on Ice 2014 (What? It COULD happen!) it would be great to just be able to keep on being lucky enough to do this for a living. Although I do have some great merchandise ideas for the stadium tour …
Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 3–25 Aug, 8.15pm, £8.50–£11.50 (£7–£10). Previews 31 Jul–2 Aug, £6.