He’s mellowed as he’s got older – but Andrew Maxwell is every bit as funny as ever. His new show celebrates his love of ‘Eejits’ – as does his popular podcast with Glenn Wool
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
You should come and see my show because I will leave no comedic stone left unturned! Funny voices, funny faces, standing up AND sitting down, stories, the lot! And if that’s still no use to you, I’m on at 5:40pm so there’s still time to go home, have your dinner and forget all about it.
What makes you laugh?
In a word, eejits. I love people trying, failing, and then getting up and giving it another stupid go. So much so that it is the theme of my podcast Eejits of the World with my very funny friend Glenn Wool.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Intimate, uproarious, erotic.. why? Why don’t you ask mother nature that.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
Yes, occasionally I still get nerves, even after thirty-three years in the business. I’ve always found that if you have faith in your audience, they will repay you in kind. Failing that, I’ve always found a cup of tea and two bananas will set you straight.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
At some point during the fringe I like to nip down to the shore in Leith and enjoy some delicious Scottish seafood at Fishers.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
My aim at all times is to leave an audience feeling drowsy with satisfaction.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
At the age of 4, when my relatives couldn’t get enough of my funny leprechaun impressions at family events.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around
the world?
Well, there’s no challenge like it. There is no art event in the world that is bigger, longer, or harder. Through the month you will encounter incredible highs and incredible lows but, if you keep your chin up and you keep pushing forward, you will leave the capital of Scotland ennobled from head to foot.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I shall be climbing Arthur’s Seat, taking in the fresh air of the North Sea and gazing longingly down at the capital of global comedy.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
Billy Connolly. The first time I saw him as a boy I was blown away. He seemed to have the capacity to conjure laughter out of thin air.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Bumping into Greg Davies at 3am, climbing him like a temple monkey and forcing him to carry me home across the Meadows.
Andrew Maxwell: The Bare Maximum, 17.40 Just the Tonic, Nucleus
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/andrew-maxwell-the-bare-maximum
