Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Josh Pugh and I am a stand-up comedian.
How would you describe your show?
My show is a surreal version of my life story packaged as a film pitch.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It's the biggest arts festival in the world and the place to see the most interesting performers.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I like that it's in an old city with peculiar venues, you don't get that at other festivals. You get bored of performing in comedy clubs and sometimes you just want to tell your jokes in the basement of a Cantonese restaurant.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
I'm pretty new to comedy and the festival itself so it's difficult for me to say how it's changed, but it certainly sounds like its bigger and more accessible to performers than ever which can only be a good thing.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I always liked to see grown-ups being silly (in a comedy way not just making terrible financial choices). I used to watch Vic & Bob with my dad and find it hilarious, we also watched a lot of documentaries about the Nazis but fortunately I found those less inspiring.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I'd probably be bumbling along doing something I didn't enjoy, I worked in an office before this which I didn't like, I talk about that in the show.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
More successful comedian.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I suppose it would be the nursery rhyme "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" rhythmic, informative and a metaphor that we can all live happily together in one world (farm) no matter what language we speak (oink oink etc).
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
The only thing I feel I should be doing as a comedian is being funny, I like to focus on the smaller moments in life, I'm not even sure how I feel about the world most of the time so would find it difficult to make those things funny.
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
I actually think that due to social media being a constant platform for debate and opinion, coming and watching some comedian talk about vending machines for 20 minutes has become more appealing.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Globally catastrophic, personally fine
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Somebody like Elvis Presley or Prince, someone who has longevity and experimented with lots of different ideas.
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?
There are benefits to both and depends on your show really, I'd happily do either. This year my show is ticketed which means that people will be less likely to leave halfway through as they've paid to be there, it may also mean that they are less likely to come at all.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Go up the year before so you can see what it's all about, go to lots of different shows in different venues. Also just go for it, all you've got to lose is money.
When and where can people see your show?
The Pleasance Courtyard 7:15 from the 2nd to the 28th of August, not the 15th.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
@JoshPughComic
Josh Pugh: A Boy Named Pugh is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 19:15 on 2nd – 28th (not 15th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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