Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I'm James Adomian. I might be most known to UK comedy fans as a podcast guest on a variety of podcasts like CBB, the Todd Glass Show, and Chapo Trap House. I'm also known as 1/2 of the Trump vs Bernie tour that made it to London and Dublin last year, although sadly did not make it to Edinburgh. To make up for that, I'm coming to Edinburgh to do my stand-up show as myself, which is arguably one of the top 3 acts I have.
How would you describe your show?
I skew more towards American-style stand up. American politics, LGBT issues and experiences, and a lot of impressions of American media figures are themes in my act. It's more of a freewheeling stand up show than a theatrical one-man show.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I had a fun time there doing a short set for a weekend 2 years ago as part of The Americans (a short showcase show) with Kyle Kinane and Jamie Lee.
I also did drop-in appearances around the festival then and had a great time. I've only performed 3 times in the UK before, and it was time to come back and play for a month.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I'm used to the American festivals which often have music attached to it. Edinburgh is more of a theatrical vibe, and a lot of American comedy festivals aren't arts-oriented or theatrically oriented, so it's fascinating and intriguing. I'm interested in being a part of the fun.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
I'll formulate an answer and have it to you by the end of August.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I've been involved with comedy since I was a kid - calling into radio stations and doing funny voices. I was doing amateur comedy long before I got to do it professionally.
I'm a big fan of MR SHOW, Kids in the Hall, and the Jerky Boys. I'm a fan of Todd Glass, Andy Kindler and Eddie Pepitone, who I am lucky enough to now work with and be friends with as well.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Well, the last job before comedy was in a fossil warehouse which is almost as crazy as working in comedy. I would probably try to get back into the world of fossils.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Spinach inspector.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I performed the song "If I Were King of the Forest" by the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and I still have the capes from the performance. I sang it with my brother. We did it in a school talent show and arguably still to this day one of the best things I've ever done.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
I'm an out gay in Hollywood and a passive anarchist. What would I have to social commentate about? No, I think events are annoying and I wish events would stop so that everyone's pristine jokes could just live in amber.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Yes, the booing finally stopped.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Is 2016 one word or…..
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I would want to work with Aristophanes, mostly because for priapic green room parties.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
I don't know! I'm from America. We have much less serious problems to worry about.
When and where can people see your show?
James Adomian's debut Edinburgh Fringe comedy show 'Lacking In Character' will be at the Gilded Balloon – Sportsman for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Twitter is for fighting and Instagram is fun and has awesome pictures. I'm also on a lot of American podcasts and maybe a couple from other countries. I've made insane appearances on a wide array of American podcasts.
James Adomian: Lacking in Character is performing at The Gilded Balloon at 21:15 on 2nd – 27th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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