Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Benji and I’m a junior doctor, hence moving into comedy. Specifically I’m a psychiatrist. Now, I know what you’re thinking…
How would you describe your show?
It’s the story of my first year in psychiatry. A fly-on-the-padded-wall account of NHS mental health services. The patients I try to help. And a bit about me.
What is your favourite part of your show?
Reading the Google reviews from my psychiatric hospital.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley.
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
I’d like audiences to be more aware of those with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. The people for whom some cold water swimming and mindful colouring-in probably won’t cut it. Too often they’re left out of the mental health conversation.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
Stephen Fry would be well cast to play my old, wise therapist. A well-spoken, white haired gentleman who always holds his hands together as he speaks as though he’s had a super-glue accident.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It’s one of the biggest arts festival in the world. And it’s a bit closer than Melbourne.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Walking around the city you feel like you’re in Hogwarts.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
A cap on obscene rents. I considered borrowing my parents caravan but campsites quoted me £1,500 for a pitch for a month. As if camping isn’t depressing enough already.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
Growing up with a slightly dysfunctional family made me want to be a psychiatrist. I think I hoped to get the secret codes to fix them. My mum used to be a potter, my dad built our house and my younger brothers are a painter, chef and jeweller respectively. So I was always going to also do something creative like comedy.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
I've recently written a book (‘You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here’, being published by Penguin in Spring 24, if you’re wondering), which involves lots of back and forth and waiting for notes. The beauty of comedy is that an audience will give you instant feedback. They may even throw things. Something my editor is yet to do.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
I once tried some new material at a gig in London when, unbeknownst to me, at the back of the room the pub’s sewage system burst. Audience members were gagging, retching, turning green. When the four smell finally reached the stage, I was relieved as before then I thought they really hated my new Tinder jokes.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
Me and my friend Jake Baker, two quiet, beta-male comedians did a split show each night in the rowdy Three Sisters Courtyard inside a paper thin tent with zero soundproofing. At least if the audience didn’t like our comedy they could listen to the 90’s hits blaring outside.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
In a review of the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ final, Bruce Dessau described me as “the obligatory oddball”. Which took some processing, as a psychiatrist.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?
Football is the best antidepressant for me. I play every Sunday with some comedians in London, so hopefully we’ll have a few kickabouts on the Meadows too.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
The other doctor-comedians like Matt Hutchinson, Ed Patrick, Kirsty Mann and Stefania Licari.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh? If you’ve never been before, what would you say has been (potentially) the most useful?
Pack waterproof socks. And do your show early so you you have the afternoon and evening to enjoy yourself.
When and where can people see your show?
The Pleasance Courtyard 4:30pm daily (not 12 or 21st).
And where can people find you online?
Twitter doctor_benji. Instagram @doctor_benjis. Tickets or book pre-order from my websites www.linktr.ee/dr_benji or www.benjiwaterstones.com
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