© Avalon
Who? Carl Donnelly
What? Strictly Carl Donnelly!
Where? Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, Ballroom (venue 170)
When? 18:45
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
I’m always prepared. This is my tenth year of doing solo shows so I’m a hardened veteran these days. I’m like Tom Berenger in the film ‘Platoon’. I have a thousand yard stare that suggests I’ve seen a lot of comedians die over the years.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
It’s quite a simple show to be honest. It’s about how I’ve changed in my decade of coming to the Fringe. When I first came up I was a mid-twenties working class South London lad who was more interested in getting drunk than anything else. Now I’m a 36 year old vegan who goes to a farmers market every Sunday and spends almost £5 on a loaf of sourdough bread. I think the show is me trying to work out what I’ve become.
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
The only real obstacle was that I wrote a version at the start of the year and did some previews. Then I went to Australia, got married and did the Melbourne Comedy Festival where I was performing my show from last year’s Fringe. When I came back to start back to work on the new show, I didn’t like it. I then decided to re-write the show which meant I’ve only really had a couple of months to get it together but I’m much happier with it.
Who would most enjoy your show?
People who like really good stand up comedy.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
An Australian friend of mine Daniel Connell is coming over for his first ever fringe. He’s very funny and I recommend you check him out.
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
I love the layout of Edinburgh. If you stand on North Bridge you are ten minutes away from so much. If you walk one direction you’re in the heart of New Town but if you’d gone the other way you’d be nearing Arthur’s Seat. It’s a perfect city for exploring.
What are your plans for after the festival?
I always go somewhere very quiet for a week to decompress. Last year me and my wife went and stayed in a hut in South Portugal with no electricity or phone signal. It was exactly what I needed after a month surrounded by so many people. We’re still planning this year’s trip. I’ve got my eye on a cottage in the west of Ireland.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CARL DONNELLY: ‘STRICTLY CARL DONNELLY!’ HERE