James Hancox: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018
© Rosie Collins
Who? James Hancox
What? Sports For The Unsporty
Where? Assembly George Square Theatre (venue 8)
When? 16:00
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
Getting there! This year I’ve actually drawn up a Fringe-warm-up schedule, to get me in shape for the big month. It involves daily lunges, vegetables and – of course – writing sessions. I haven’t bothered doing any of it yet, but I figure planning is 75% of the battle.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
I’ve always been quite awful at sports, so for my debut solo show I decided to make my own up and teach them to the people of Edinburgh.
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
One of the consequences of putting on a show with ‘sports’ in the title is that people presume you know a lot about them. I’ve had to blag my way through so many World Cup-related conversations. I’m now quite good at making up names of footballers.
Who would most enjoy your show?
Anyone who has the burning heart of a champion, but lacks the skills for conventional sports. I’m here to prove that by moving the goalposts (figuratively and literally), anyone can be a winner.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
I recently did a preview with Katie Pritchard, who has a gloriously silly show called ‘Tsunamiramirami’ filled full of songs, DIY costumes and surreal comedy. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Steen Raskopoulos’ new show this year – last year’s blew me away. Finally, I’d totally recommend my old pal Rob Broderick’s (Abandoman) show too – from what I’ve seen so far, this year’s show looks like it’s going to be sonically amazing.
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
Edinburgh is a city of staircases. I always end up running around it, so in August my ‘stepometer’ score’s big. It’s why my warm up schedule (above) has so many lunges.
What are your plans for after the festival?
Most sportsmen carb-load before their games, but I plan to continue it for a month afterwards. Mostly pizzas. In my underpants. With the Rocky box set. It’s a scientific process.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JAMES HANCOX: ‘SPORTS FOR THE UNSPORTY’ HERE