Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi! I’m a professional comedian, with a full-time career that spans more than 30 years who turned to family audiences when my daughter was born. I still occasionally perform for adults only, but I'm primarily focused on the family as I want my kids to enjoy, and to be proud of, my work.
How would you describe your show?
A character-centered comedy show in which I teach lessons of personal empowerment through exciting and absurd science demonstrations. I have a German accent, bleached spiky hair, orange lab coat, chrome goggles and motorcycle boots with flames on the side. On stage with me is a huge spinning wheel with demos and routines around it. We spin the wheel and whatever it lands on, that’s what we do!
What is your favourite part of your show?
When I bring a volunteer up on stage, my goal is for them to become the hero of the moment. That is my absolute favourite part. When the audience embraces the volunteer’s accomplishments and cheers for them, I love to step back and just watch them revel in their moment.
The show is interactive, but no one is ever forced to participate. Even if they get up there, and decide they want to sit back down, I reward them for the courage to speak up for themselves. No one leaves my stage feeling anything other than wonderful.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
It has one! “Kaboom’s Song”. Available as a free download on my website.
Otherwise, “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo.
What is one thing you hope audiences will take away from your show?
The realization that science is for everyone, not just the people who are already good at it. It isn’t hard, it just takes work. And that’s not hard, that’s just life.
If you could add a surprise celebrity cameo to your show, who would it be and why?
Physicist Brian Cox! He’s a fellow artist (musician) and I thoroughly enjoy his presentation style.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It is the original. Performing at the Festival Fringe used to be a career dream, now that I’ve done it, I must say it’s a bit addictive. I love the diversity and intelligence of the audiences, the camaraderie of the participants, and the inspiring abundance of artistry from around the world!
What differentiates it from other festivals?
There is something about the city, itself, that lends a feeling of gravitas and romance to it. You feel like you are part of something monumental and of artistic historical importance.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I beg people to use the term, “Family Show” rather than “Children’s Show”. Or maybe a subcategory? There are many wonderful shows for children, but a lot of people are missing out on shows they would enjoy simply because of the category title. My show is accessible for kids, and certainly educational, but like many of my peers I am just as focused on entertaining the adults in the room.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
I grew up expecting to be a physicist, special schooling, Phd teachers, the whole lot; campus-wide internet before the internet, electron microscopes, an observatory, all in my teens. But I needed people in my daily world. A life in a lab was not going to do it for me, so I took my passion to the theatre. It is the most fulfilling work I have found.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
The immediacy of the interaction. I have no fourth wall, so my entire show is a conversation between the character of Doktor Kaboom and the crowd. Every show is different for this reason. Whatever happens at any moment, it's part of that show. And I’m enjoying it and laughing right along with them.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
I had a volunteer whose given name was Demon. Not kidding. His parents were in the audience and I had a good 5 solid minutes of fun with them about it. Everything from, “I picked you because I saw your eyes glowing” to “Demon? Really? Well, that must have been a painful birth!”. I was careful throughout to engage him and ensure he was not feeling mocked in any way. He was a great sport, and told me he was going to use some of my jokes for the rest of his life.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
Most challenging and unconventional for me was when I was invited to take part in a street performance festival in Ireland. I’m not a street performer, but assumed it wouldn’t be all that different. I was so very wrong! There is a special skill set that must be developed to make that environment work and my hat is off to anyone who can master it. It took me a bit, but I watched and learned and then reminded myself to have fun while doing it. By the end I had a magnificent moment with an audience of over a thousand cheering for the success of a 12-year-old volunteer as he mastered my task for him in the finale. A thousand people leaping to their feet to scream for this young man. It was magnificent. Go see the street performers at the Fringe. They are some of the best in the world.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
Yes! A woman saw my show and told me I “truly have a gift”. I had been told that before, most performers hear it and it is always lovely, but for some reason this one stuck with me, and thinking about it later I realized that yes, I really do. The opportunity to make my living traveling the world, making people laugh while hopefully adding value to the lives of others is absolutely a gift. To me. I am grateful to everyone who comes and lets me share it.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
The city is absolutely beautiful of course. And I love simply exploring it, but the one thing that really helps me recuperate my energy is spending some time in the Royal Botanical Garden. As far as shows go, I am thrilled that my favorite show from last year, “The Importance of Being . . . Earnest?” by Say It Again, Sorry out of London is returning. I could watch them a thousand times. They have a wonderful comic ensemble!
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?
Get help! And while that’s always good mental advice, here I mean don’t do it alone. Find people who believe in you and your work and enlist their support. I would have thrashed and drowned had I been on my own my first time. If you can swing it, a producer is wonderful, and find the money to hire the best PR that you can!
When and where can people see your show?
My home is Pleasance Courtyard in the theatre named “Beyond”. 12 noon. Come laugh and play, with or without kids. If you have a family, bring them, if you’re just here to see as much as you can, sleep in, then come to my noon show. It really is a great way to start the day!
And where can people find you online?
Doktor Kaboom and the Wheel Of Even More Science! is at the Pleasance Courtyard - Beyond at 12pm (lunchtime) from 2nd – 27th August (not 6th or 18th) for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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