Kunt and the Gang return to the Fringe for three nights only. You might not think you want to see a man in a shell suit and a dreadful wig singing outrageously disgusting songs – but believe us – you do. Utterly joyful and a true legend of the Fringe.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
It’s just some tired old bloke in a hi vis boiler suit singing comedy songs mostly written 10-20 years ago on subjects it’s probably not OK to sing songs about anymore. If you like the sound of that you’ll have a great time.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
I have always enjoyed the challenge of taking a really bleak topic and finding an angle to turn into a chirpy 2-and-a-half-minute comedy pop song. My favourite bit about playing the songs live was always seeing the range of reactions when people hear them for the first time. What would make one person double over with laughter would make someone else look like a bit of sick had just come into their mouth.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
My Fringe Idol would have to be Gary LeStrange. I saw him performing in about 2007 and his musical comedy show Beef Scarecrow convinced me that I should try and take my songs up to the Fringe. I couldn’t get any of the Fringe comedy promoters to return my emails, but then in 2009 I got in touch with Alex Petty who runs the Laughing Horse, who took a punt on Kunt and the Gang and helped me build a following there over the next 6 or 7 years.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Not, asfunny, asitusedtobe. Because it did used to be really funny.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
I usually wait till I’m up in Edinburgh and then lament not booking tickets for sold out stuff I wanted to see. Then I go and see a few things from flyers, which around one in eight times ends up being excellent.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
As a younger man my hopes and dreams would have involved getting spotted and being asked to write my own TV sitcom, but these days I just hope to get through all 3 shows without having to grapple with anyone onstage.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
For me, the biggest obstacle you face at the Fringe isn’t that different to what you face generally as an independent artist – getting the people who would like your stuff to find out about it, and having to compete against people you know in your heart are shitter than you but who have major backing and access to comparatively massive marketing budgets.
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
It is my dream that after coming to see my show, maybe a day later, maybe a couple of days or a week afterwards, someone will be in an important work meeting being asked to do something they fundamentally disagree with and will find themselves humming Use My Arsehole As A Cunt. (You will. This has happened to me – Ed)
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
Go home and go off.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
10 am: Wake up. See it isn’t pissing down with rain.
11am: Late breakfast at City Café.
12pm: Lunchtime pint.
2pm: Walk across Edinburgh to see a show.
3pm: Walk back.
4pm Afternoon pint.
5pm: Check emails.
5.30pm: Spend time with my disabled son.
5.45pm: Do an open spot in a comedy show that hopefully doesn’t make anyone in the audience walk out.
7pm: Evening pint.
8pm: Chill out before my show.
10pm: Do my show, which ideally goes by without having to grapple with an onstage assailant.
11pm: Post show pint (or, if it has gone well, two).
Midnight: Bed.
Kunt and the Gang, 22-24 August. 22:00 (1 hour), Venue 170. The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
