Dan Lees is a musical stand up who is one third of comedy trio The Flop – winners of the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality in 2022. His hilarious pastiche of various musical styles is a thing of beauty.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
I have collected a bunch of bizarre and obscure album covers that I’ve found in charity shops, I then recreate the artist on the cover and perform their hits. I recreate the artists and perform my interpretation of their songs, using a loop pedal, guitar and keyboards. It’s a fun and silly show, the perfect antidote if you’ve just seen a show about childhood trauma.
What makes you laugh?
Many things but I think the big belly laughs come from things going wrong. Unintentional mistakes are often the funniest moments in comedy shows.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
I do get nervous, I would be even more nervous if I didn’t get nervous. Does that make sense? I find if I imagine the audience are all dressed as naked chickens I feel much better.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
The perfect midnight fringe feast is a late night crepe down in Assembly Gardens, the only place to eat after 3am.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
Hopefully happier, with an aching jaw.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
I haven’t had that realisation yet, I’ll let you know.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
There’s nothing like it anywhere in the world, somewhere anyone can perform and audiences are excited by experimental new work.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I like scouring the charity shops in Edinburgh for bargains and also going up Arthurs Seat to get some much needed perspective.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
I admire Robin Williams for his boundless energy and ability to blend humor with deep emotional resonance. His performances were always so full of life, and he had a way of making everyone feel connected and understood, even through the silliest jokes.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Seeing a show and you are the only audience member.
Dan Lees Vinyl Reflections, 22.10, PBH Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dan-lees-vinyl-reflections
