Paul Foot’s comedy is an energetic whirlwind from the offset. Extravagant but softly-spoken, brutal yet always endearing, this comedian’s latest show ‘Tis a Pity She’s a Piglet is one that you should make every effort not to miss. Foot will be performing at Underbelly Cowgate throughout August.
1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?
The Edinburgh Festival is the most shows I ever perform in a consecutive run of days. At no other point in my year do I get to perform for 25 nights in a row. Worra lot of excitement that is. And I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Paul, every performer has to have a day off from performing their show in Edinburgh. It’s festival policy baybayy.” Well, true, but on my day off (which, this year, is the Moonday 14th Augustus) I fly down to London to perform a Secret Show for my Connoisseurs. I can’t let my 25 day streak be ruined by stupid Edinburgh Fridge Festival red tape. I’m on a roll baybayyy!
2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?
My first ever Edinburgh Fridge Festival (so-called because it’s so friggin’ cold all the thyme) I did a show called ‘Simple Pleasures’. And it was about simple pleasures, like making your own compost, or watching Nicky Clegg lose his seat, or eating a peach. One must find joy in the small things in life you see, because the big things are all such a friggin’ mess.
© Paul Foot
3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?
I wouldn’t say so. All sorts of people come to watch my comedy. People of all ages, from the age of approximately 7 all the way up until total decomposition. All the ages are welcome. And all the races, and all the genders. Also, all the various states of consciousnesses are welcome. Once a sleeping man attended. But he was very welcome because sometimes the sleeping mind is at its most imaginative and creative, and imaginative and creative people are often attracted to my comedy, so we can’t blame him really.
4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?
Once I shared a tiny little 3-bedroom flat with 7 other comedians. It was a shambles. I slept in a cupboard like a vampire and there were strange women and men coming and going all times of the day and night. Imagine the queue for the bog in the morning. And imagine the state of the bogbrush!
5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?
I remember some years ago I was doing a show in Edinburgh, and I came out on stage and the atmosphere was terrible. A real shocker. People looked miserable and no one even applauded at the start and I’m pretty sure there was a man sleeping. The first ten minutes of the show was really difficult, but slowly I managed to build some atmosphere and start to win people round, and by the end of the show it had turned into one of the best shows ever! Everyone had become hysterical. That was a very special show.
6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?
I love Brian Gittins. He is a top quality comedian and I would very much like to see his show. Malcolm Head too. He does strange poetry and unusual humour.
7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?
I hope to eat at least 14 pies. And also I’ll be writing my new show for next year, which will premier at the Edinburgh Festival 2018. I am very excited about the new humour.
8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?
I couldn’t possibly say. One cannot predict the future. Or maybe it will be about Judy Murray OBE. She is absolutely hilarious and will probably live for ever.
BOOK TICKETS FOR PAUL FOOT: ‘TIS A PITY SHE’S A PIGLET, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL