Glenn Moore is a Fringe favourite whose shows are delightfully crammed with comic gems. He tells Entertainment Now about his biggest Fringe regret, his real feelings about reviews and why he’s having a lie down during his show.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
If you haven’t seen me, I’d say I have a lot of punchlines. A lot. And they’re all there for a reason, I won’t put a joke in my act unless I’m certain it could reasonably be someone’s favourite joke. If you have seen me before, this show is very me.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
I’ve got a bit where I lie down. Recommend it to any performer. 45 minute mark, take the weight off.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
About a decade ago I was flyering on the Royal Mile. I saw the cast of a kids show publicising their offering about various (presumably pagan) god. Each god was a performer under a huge gown that covered their body completely, and rendered them unable to see, so as they walked down the Mile they were being blindly led by the hand by fellow members of the crew. Each gowned figure had a head made entirely from metal wire, with flashing LED lights. Truly one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever seen. These apparitions were guided silently down the Mile, leaving a trail of emotional destruction in their wake, kids screaming in horror at something they couldn’t describe. Absolutely among the hardest I’ve ever laughed.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Uniquely silly jokes
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
Anyone making their debut. Nothing makes you feel more smug than choosing to see an act just before the Apollo comes calling. Shalaka Kurup is among this year’s batch and I think her show’s going to be excellent.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
I want to leave as proud of the show as I am now. This is the most sincere answer I’ll ever give in a Q&A.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
I think for those starting out in comedy, it’s reviews. Which I now know is ridiculous. I’ve always described performing at the Fringe as doing your GCSEs but the whole country can read your results. And what if you’re trying to convince people to come to see your show but a publication who gave it 1 star is basically undoing all your hard work; it’s like having a damn shadow cabinet.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
I’m aiming to rectify a mistake I made the last time I did a full Fringe run. Just like that time, I’m taking my PS5 with me. It’s heavy, and last time having it in my rucksack during a standing room only train from London to Edinburgh really ruined my journey. What ruined my entire fringe though, was arriving at my flat and realising I hadn’t checked in advance whether the property had a TV. For a month that white obelisk stood unplugged and alone on the TV stand, taunting me.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
I’m living by the sea this year, so I think a morning run, culminating in a swim will be a great start to the day. Then read a book at a cafe for a while, make my way into town, do my show, then maybe a healthy dinner with friends at a restaurant. I will actually do none of these things. I will do not a single one of them.
Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore? Pleasance Courtyard Forth, 17.30, until 24 August (except 12 and 13)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/glenn-moore-please-sir-glenn-i-have-some-moore
