Comic and viral star Ali Woods is half Scottish, half English and spent most of his childhood in Blackpool. His Fringe show ‘At the Moment’ is about falling in and out of love and how to survive it.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
It’s a stand-up comedy show for anyone who has ever been in love or had an NHS nurse hold their balls while they were seventeen and their mum was in the room. Please notify me at the door which one you are.
What makes you laugh?
Whenever I hear or see one of the two best jokes that have ever been created. The first is when you pretend a banana is a phone. And the second is when someone says ‘You never listen’ and you get to go ‘What?’ It’s even funnier if I’m the one who gets to do it.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Sexy hot chico! It’s pretty obvious if you watch the show.
Do you have nerves about going on stage and how do you cope with them.
At this point not much. I always want it to go well but I’m not really nervous. The important thing I try to remember is it’s a real privilege to be a comedian for a living and so I just think how lucky I am when I go up on stage. Then usually someone in the crowd calls me Ed Sheeran.
What’s your idea of a perfect Fringe feast and where will you eat it?
There’s a restaurant called Wings that does chicken wings in loads of different toppings. That’s the one for the inevitable Edinburgh Fringe slump. A Scottish breakfast at city cafe also never misses.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They will think they can now live life to the full. They will feel like they need a pee.
When did you first realise you were born to be on stage?
When I lost my virginity. I got naked, the woman laughed and I thought ‘I should monetise this.’ Of course I’m joking. I have not lost my virginity as I am not yet married.
Why do you think Edinburgh Fringe is so important to performers and artists around the world?
Historically it’s seen as the cutting edge of British talent in the entertainment industry. A lot of the biggest stars of the twentieth century cut their teeth there. But if you asked new talent coming through now, I’m not sure they would think it was that important. I was doing some gigs in New York and they didn’t really care.
How do you plan to relax and enjoy the city when you’re not performing.
I do actually love watching other people’s shows. It’s inspiring to watch how other people do stand-up comedy, especially if it’s not the same style as me. Also I’ll normally watch Man United pre-season matches which is not relaxing but I’m addicted.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
The way Ricky Gervais and Jordan Peele have set up their careers is really impressive. They both reached a position where they get to decide what they want to do next, and have a huge community of people who are thirsty for it. But I don’t have a showbiz idol, that’s a bit weird?
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
To be honest it really doesn’t get better than random people on the street saying they saw your show and loved it. I hope one day that will happen to me.
Ali Woods: At the Moment, 20.30, Underbelly Bristo Square, until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ali-woods-at-the-moment
