Interview with Darren Walsh

In the run up to Voice's latest coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we have dozens of interviews with performers like Darren Walsh, who we'll be seeing up there.

Interview with Darren Walsh

Firstly, could you introduce yourself, and give a quick summary of your show?

Hello I am Darren. I am a silly man. I have a silly show. It contains animations, drawings, video, catchy jingles and lots of puns.

What is your earliest arts memory?

Hmm I guess that would be watching Tony Hart's TV show 'Hartbeat'. I once sent him a drawing but it didn't get shown. I think it was because I used too much tinsel. Or because I was 23.

What first encouraged you to become a performer?

I'm always been obsessed with comedy, making films and sketches, so then I thought one day I tried doing stand-up. I wouldn't say anyone has encouraged me really, it just feels like the best way to get your ideas out there.

Do you remember your first professional performance, and how did it go?

That would be the first time I got paid then. It went well, I couldn't believe someone had paid me to go to the pub and make everybody laugh, as I'd been doing that for years anyway.

What do you feel is the best thing about your job?

Making people laugh, without doubt.

Conversely, what is the worst?

Sometimes I don't think people see the amount of work that goes into it. It can be mentally exhausting, and sometimes look easy. It isn't.

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How do you decide whether or not a show has gone well?

Usually if someone comes up to you afterwards and says "You're so brave doing stand-up, I couldn't do that" or "So what's your day job?", you know it's gone badly.

If they say "When are you playing next?" that's a good sign that they're not sick of you yet.

If you could work with anybody, dead or alive, who would you choose to collaborate with?

Definitely alive. Erm, I like Adam Buxton. His old pal Joe Cornish was really tall too, so maybe I could be a replacement.

What made you want to come to Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

It's where all comedians go to get their badge of honour. The internet has changed this a bit, but for now it's still a proving ground for acts.

Is performing at EdFringe different from 'traditional' shows?

Yes, it's a lot wilder. I think people know they will see more random stuff here. It's more of a lucky, or unlucky dip, if you like.

If you could travel back in time and give 16 year-old you one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't worry that you failed all your GCSEs. Find your own way.

What advice would you give to young people who want to enter the industry?

Don't worry if you failed all your GCSEs. Find your own way.

Do you have social media that our readers can follow you on?

Of course. Twitter.com/DarrenWalshPuns Facebook.com/DarrenWalshPuns instagram.com/DarrenWalshPuns

Where can people catch your show during EdFringe?

Name of the show: S'PUN

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard - The Below

Dates: 3-29 (except 15) Aug

Time: 8:30pm

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Voice Magazine

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