Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello, my name is Dominic Holland. I have been a professional comedian for over 20 years but despite my best efforts, I am rapidly becoming best known for being Tom Holland's dad.
How would you describe your show?
The funny observations of family life by a 50-year dad of four sons, one of whom happens to be the new Spider-Man.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Because Edinburgh has been very kind to me in the past and it feels too long that I have been away.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Everything about Edinburgh is different. It's length – a full three weeks. The variety of shows from the world over. It's size and history – being the biggest and the oldest. The City of Edinburgh is a great advantage and the atmosphere that the festival creates – a hive of endeavour and hope from the artists and pure exhilaration and fun for the audiences. The Edinburgh festival should be on everyone's bucket list.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
The fringe has long been criticized for exploiting the artists with even successful shows being unable to return a profit. The money generated being trousered by impresario's and not the talent. This has all changed with the free fringe – indoor busking for want of a better description. And what a wonderful model it is. Audiences are protected because if they see a rotten show then they will only have wasted their time and not their money and if an artist rocks a room, then the audience can reward him on their way out. Perfect.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
Being funny is the ONLY thing that I have ever been any good at. Average academically, average sportsman, terrible organization skills and very limited patience. But from a young age, I was aware that I could make people laugh – and because it is best to pursue a career in something one is good at - so for me, comedy was an obvious furrow to plough.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
A distinctly average career in business. And if I wasn't funny, I would probably have a much less attractive wife – and therefore less attractive kids – and therefore unlikely that I would be the father of Spider-Man…
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
A professional golfer. This is lofty indeed given that I have played this game for almost twenty-five years and I remain abject.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
My mum breast feeding my little brother. I was four and I can remember being awe-struck by the whole thing. I thought at the time that mums are amazing and I still do.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
I tend to avoid any social commentary these days because I don't usually agree with the virtue signaling that dominates the arts. The 'Do as I say and not as I do' are the worst bullies of all and bullying is something I can't abide.
That said, I don't have the energy nor the inclination to counter this movement and so I concentrate on being as funny and as entertaining as I can be.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
The stranglehold on debate is now complete and absolute. You either agree with us or else we will shout you down with labels. This is sad really because no debate means problems only fester and the people who suffer are the very people the virtue signalers purport to protect.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Fearful, uncertain and yet hopeful
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Hitler – with a view to dissuading him.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Expect nothing and have fun. I have been lucky to have had enormous Edinburgh's in the past with sold out shows, awards and reviews. But they have always been stressful for me and a trauma. This year I am going to enjoy my show and this is the only thing that is important. If I enjoy my show, then my audiences will too and Edinburgh will be a blast for me and my family.
When and where can people see your show?
The Voodoo Rooms, Ballroom – 16.40 (5th to 27th Aug, not 8th and 9th)
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Dominicholland.co.uk domhollandbooks.com
Dominic Holland Eclipsed is performing at The Voodoo Rooms at 16:40 on 5th – 27th (not 8th and 9th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
Dominic's show was amazing. Well worth the watch.