© Philippa Michael
In Leo Kearse’s latest show he claims that he can convince his audience members to vote Tory by offering the joys of the right wing political sphere. Kearse is also the co-creator of Hate ‘n’ Live, where topics suggested by audience members are ‘hated on’ by comedians most nights at the Fringe. He is performing his free show in the Gothic Room at the Three Sisters throughout August.
1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?
Someone I know always has a really entertaining mental breakdown. In case you think I’m making light of mental illness, yes I am, but I’d be just as entertained if they broke their legs or had a hernia or discovered their children were in fact sired by another man.
2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?
The last two years I’ve done a show as Pun-Man, a spandex clad superhero here to save humanity from observational comedy and long form anecdotal based humour by doing improvised puns based on audience suggestions. It was a really really good show.
3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?
My current show, “I Can Make You Tory”, seems to attract 25% actual red trousered Tories, 70% regular comedy punters who are up for a laugh, and 5% neo-progressive hyper-liberal social justice warrior fat activist cunts who just come to get upset.
4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?
Aww man we rented a flat a few years back that was £1,200 each but was falling apart (beds missing slats, no front on drawers, oven wouldn’t close), then when we moved out they said we caused the damage and kept our deposits. Another time I shared with Candy Gigi so the fridge was full of skip loads of rotting vegetables all month.
5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?
I’ve made my best friends through comedy but fuck them – my most treasured memories are closing Birmingham Comedy Loft at New Years; I felt like it was the stamp of approval from a top promoter. Also, getting my first twenty minutes at the Comedy Store – it’s the equivalent of becoming a made man in the mafia.
6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?
Trevor Lock always makes me forget myself and laugh loads.
7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?
I want to get famous and get loads of money and I want to crush my enemies
8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?
My conversion to radical Islam.
BOOK TICKETS FOR LEO KEARSE: I CAN MAKE YOU TORY, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL