Back at the Fringe for the first time since 2018, poet and stand up Elvis McGonagall is a Radio Four regular. A former World Slam champion he is the compere for the Blue Suede Sporran Club.
Tell us about your show.
Elvis McGonagall Gin & Catatonic? is an hour of anarchic wit and satirical verse designed to bring down the Tories but they seem to be doing a good job of that themselves so it may be 60 minutes of interpretive avant-garde jazz dance with a live mariachi band.
Why should we go and see it?
It’s comedy catnip. You’ll love it if you’re a cat.
What makes you laugh?
My wife.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Angry. Loud. Tartan. Why? I wear a tartan jacket and I’m angry and loud.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them?
My personal valet serves me a dry martini to soothe any nerves then forces me on with a cattle prod.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
I adhere to a strict regime of wellness protocols throughout the festival.
Feasts are an anathema. My body is a temple. Albeit a ruined one.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They will be moved to sell everything they own and run away to open a beach bar on a remote Greek island.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
On stage? Carson! Quick – bring forth the cattle prod!
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
Guaranteed fame and fortune for all.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I’ll be roamin’ in the gloamin’ wi’ ma lassie by ma side.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Dougal from “The Magic Roundabout”, a witty and perceptive philosopher.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Every year a Molvanian mime troupe interpret the tenets of dialectical materialism on a trampoline in the Royal Mile. Don’t miss it.
Elvis McGonagall: Gin and Catatonic?, 12.20 Gilded Balloon, July 31 – August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/elvis-mcgonagall-gin-catatonic
