Scott Bennett: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018
© Andy Hollingworth
Who? Scott Bennett
What? Leap Year
Where? Just The Tonic at The Mash House (venue 288)
When? 17:55
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
I was, but now you’ve got me worried as that question sounds like you have sinister plans for me! I don’t think you can ever be prepared for the Fringe. I suppose I am going up with the intention of just enjoying myself and not expecting anything more than that.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
The show is about taking a risk to follow a dream at an age when society implies that you should be settled and content. It’s about the realities of pursuing a passion when you have responsibilities, the emotions and guilt that causes and the sacrifices made by others. People say it’s brave to do stand-up comedy. That’s not true; it’s braver to let someone you love do it. I’ve never changed my life in such a big way, so to do so has made me discover who I really am and how your own personality can be a barrier to your attitudes to life. It’s also a bit of a daft show, there are stories about the beauty of owning a shed, being the only daddy at playgroup and the maddening experience of playing crazy golf with a child; seriously, it’s utter hell.
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
Discovering some truths about myself that were genuinely unnerving. It’s also how to make such a personal show accessible and engaging to an audience, but I hope I’ve managed to pull that off.
Who would most enjoy your show?
Anyone who wants to change their life and follow a dream but feels trapped by their circumstances. Also, has a young family and owns a shed.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Chris Turner’s ‘AAA Batteries (Not Included)’ at The Caves (3-4pm) which I may or may not be a part of…
Chris Washington – ‘You Beauty’
Dan Nightingale – ‘Sex, Drugs and My Nana’s Bungalow’
Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard Mclean
Hayley Ellis – ‘Once, Twice, Three Times a Hayley’
Mandy Knight
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
During the festival, it’s being able to walk to every gig, which is great. I also love the open spaces and parks. I’m bringing my family with me this year and they are really excited to be based there for the month.
What are your plans for after the festival?
I’m hoping to do some more writing work following on from the projects I worked on for Comedy Central this year. I am also in development with some of the scripts I have written for a sitcom pilot. I will be continuing to film some more projects and comedy shorts with my actress wife Jemma, which we will be putting out online again. I’d also really like to build my audience, with the goal of putting together a little tour in early 2019.