Olaf Falafel is a stand up comic, illustrator and children’s author, whose knockabout surreal shows have made him a Fringe favourite. He is doing a show for adults and another for kids and often features on the Best Jokes of the Fringe.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
My show is perfect for anyone who wants to hear some actual proper jokes, wants to see a cross between the board game Battleships and a clogged toilet and also wants to join in with a rap about a Sausage Bird. I also do a kids comedy show at the Fringe and there is a lot of content crossover between both shows so it’s perfect for people who haven’t fully grown up yet!
What makes you laugh?
It may well be the cheapest, most base-level of humour but a well-timed fart will always be funny to me!
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Warm, loud and daft which also sounds like three characters from a Snow White reboot
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
I don’t any more but in the months leading up to August I do frequently have an anxiety dream where my show starts in 10 minutes time but I’m stuck the other side of Edinburgh – not sure what that means.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
A few years ago, the comedian Justin Moorhouse told me about a meat-free Vietnamese restaurant and it has been the place I go to for a good filling Fringe feast at least once a week.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
I’d like to think I give them license to not take life so seriously. There’s far too much time wasted on being sensible, I hope to change all that with a bit of non-pretentious nonsense.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
I was always a cheeky, naughty child to the point where my nan would often tell my mum that she needed to, in her words, “knock it out of me” – I’m glad she didn’t. Luckily my mum is also a bit daft so encouraged my messing about.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
It’s just so special, it’s a warm pitta pocket of creativity where performers feel safe to take risks and audiences are (mostly) experienced enough to expect the unusual.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I always try and do something arty – last year I saw the Grayson Perry exhibition at the Royal Academy and the year before we went to a Barbara Hepworth exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
I adore Bob Mortimer – who doesn’t?
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Last year I filmed three seagulls fighting over a battered sausage which I thought was either a brilliant metaphor for the Fringe or, more likely, just a funny video!
Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far, 11.30 Laughing Horse Counting House, August 1 – 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/olaf-falafel-s-stupidest-super-stupid-show-so-far
Olaf Falafel Asks Has Anyone Ever Actually Woven a Sigourney, 15.45 Laughing Horse, August 1 – 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/olaf-falafel-asks-has-anyone-ever-actually-woven-a-sigourney
