Interview with William Andrews

William Andrews takes some time to talk to Voice about his show, inspirations, and offers some sage words to those wanting to take a show up to Edinburgh...

Interview with William Andrews

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

My name is William and I’m a goon, professional show off, a writer, director but more often an actor. You would have definitely enjoyed my incredible performance in Broadchurch – the second series that made no sense. That was me wot did that. Baffling. 

Tell us about your show?

I used to be called Willy as a kid – and hated it. The show is about learning to love the willy we all have inside of us.  Let me rephrase that. Erm. It’s a self portrait really, about finding my feet after almost 10 years away from the Fringe.  That’s better.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?

It’s like nothing on earth – maybe that should be a warning sign actually… Such an intense period of shows of the like that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. 

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

Truly it was my sister – she was the funny one though, by a mile - but she was also smart, so she trained to be a Doctor. Me-not-so-smart, but it all started between us two, making each other laugh until we couldn't’ breath.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?

I tend to steer away from current stuff, simply because by being fresh it’s also out of date quicker – and also, do we really need another voice in the noise? Privately, I can shake my fist with the rest of us, but not in comedy. 

Equally, do you feel there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?

Well, I used to play The Stand in Glasgow a lot, it was where I cut my teeth – and when I moved south, I noticed then, that the good people of England are less tolerant to the darker side of humour.  Stuff that used to kill (sic) up north drew gasps down south – and that sensitivity is increasing , I suppose because of social media. 

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

I finally got my qualification in maths!

Or…  So happy to be back. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

The world will always need Plumbers. 

And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the industry?

Have you thought about becoming a Plumber? 

When and where can people see your show?

4:45pm at Pleasance Courtyard - Bunker One

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

You can find me in dark corners, under your bed or @williamandrews


William Andrews: Willy is at Pleasance Courtyard from 1st – 26th August

For further information https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/william-andrews-willy

Header Image Credit: William Andrews

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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