Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Simon. And I’m a stand-up comedian.
Tell us about your show?
It’s called Love. It’s about Love, kind of. I’ve pitched it as “an entirely unerotic journey that begins in a public toilet.” And that’s pretty accurate. It’s a mix of stories and stand up about different aspects of love. The aim is that you learn nothing about love and way too much about me. If someone learns anything valuable form this show I’d be fucking appalled.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?
It’s the ultimate festival for any aspiring comedian. There’s so much more atmosphere than any other festival I’ve done.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Mainly I was frustrated trying to get writing produced and stand up was a way I could write something in the day then perform it that evening. So, it just started out as sort of an exercise, now I’ve accidentally put an hour-long show together.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
No. Nothing I do is based in reality.
Equally, do you feel there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
I don’t think so. There’s a lot of complaining that it’s not acceptable anymore to be a c*nt. But it’s never been acceptable to be a c*nt. So, I don’t understand the problem.
You’ve had a pretty eclectic career, ranging from musician, to journalist, to writer, to performer. Can you talk us through that career path?
Jesus. I have no idea what happened. None of it was planned. I always played music when I was a kid. Then started bands and made money from that. Then I got bored of that and wanted to do more writing, so I wrote a shit load of music reviews till I eventually started getting work as film journalist (still don’t know how). But I’ve always done fiction writing as well and about 10 years ago started doing live poetry reading, and a friend and I put out a short story zine. Erm. Now I’m here.
You interviewed Nicholas Cage while a journalist – what was he like?
Very surreal. We talked about shamanism and he said that, as an actor, he feels he is a modern-day shaman. And who are we to disagree?
What would you say has been the highlight of your career?
When I was 14 I played the guitar in front of Brian Clough. He’s a bit of a legend in Derby.
And what would you say has been the most challenging point?
Never being paid properly for anything you produce wears you down at times.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Withnail-infused frantic boredom
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Just fucking do it and don’t piss about worrying that it might be shit.
And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the creative sector?
No one has a fucking clue what they’re talking about. But pointing this out to them will limit your job options.
If you had the ability to give 16-year old you one message, what would it be?
Get a haircut
When and where can people see your show?
12:45am (yes, quarter to one in the morning!)
The Wee Room and the Three Sisters
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Twitter: @simonjab
I don’t really use it, but I probably will over the fringe
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