Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello. I am Will Duggan. Comedian, friend, wannabe astronaut.
How would you describe your show?
My show this year is about anger and rage. But like in a fun way. Funger.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
In UK comedy there’s a feeling that the Edinburgh Festival is sort of the end of the school year festival and everything leads toward it. And ever since I started performing it has been in my mind as the pinnacle of what you do and where you go.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The Edinburgh Festival is the biggest arts festival in the world. It’s known all over, people come from all four corners of the globe (or if any of your readers are idiots, all areas of the flat plane) to perform there. It’s a great thing to be part of.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I first got interested in stand-up as a teenager when I used to watch it on the TV, and then at University I used to go to the Comedy Store late show most Saturdays. At the time you could smoke inside and I used to hang out near the dressing rooms smoking and waiting for the acts. One night in 2008 I got talking to Glenn Wool and Andy Asking after the show and they told me that you could just start doing gigs. I hadn’t realised and thought you had to be like, I don’t know, scouted? Anyway a couple of years later I did just that and never looked back.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I’d probably be working in hospitality, I worked in restaurants for a long time and if I had the opportunity I’d definitely open a bar. And even though I’ve never done it, I’d love to be a plasterer. Love looking at a freshly plastered wall, me.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
A complete unmitigated absolute total. Ah, I’ve run out of words. Well you can finish that in whatever way you deem fit.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I subscribe to the idea that cancel culture isn’t real. Cancel culture is what we used to call ‘consequences’ and I’ve no problem with them. The majority of people complaining of being cancelled are doing it on television, radio, or newspapers. Not exactly cancelled is it?
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I’d love to work with Mel Brooks. I think his films are amongst the funniest things to have ever been made.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
I think anyone that wants to and has the ability to should come and do a show at the fringe. For those going for the first time I’d say go, and have the best time ever. But make sure you sleep enough.
When and where can people see your show?
I’m on at 15:25 every day at the Pleasance Courtyard Cellar apart from the 15th. And if people aren’t going to the fringe I’m in the early days of planning a tour for post fringe.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
You can find me on twitter at @willduggan and on Instagram @will_dug
Will Duggan: Iceberg is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 3:25pm from 3-28th August. For tickets and more information, visit edfringe.com
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