Interview with Princes of Main

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

We're Princes of Main - a three-man sketch group who do very, very silly stupid things.

How would you describe your show?

A New Year's Eve party in August. A Hootenanny but with sketches.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Because we're all very pale and the weather suits us perfectly. Also, square sausages and applause.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It's a month long! And the variety of literally world-class acts is insane. And it's in a city on top of a dead volcano. And, crucially, it's different from other festivals because we're there.

Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?

It's definitely got busier - in terms of shows and audience. Talking to older comedians, it obviously used to be just three venues and a handful of acts. But now it's literally gargantuan. Which is great if you like comedy and theatre, and bad if you like having money.

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

We're big comedy nerds and we just wanted to join the party. We love all sorts: stand-ups like Dylan Moran and David O'Doherty, sketch groups like Cowards, Sheeps and the Pin, characters and clowns like Doctor Brown and Tim Key.

If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Forming a Jersey Boys-style acapella threesome.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
Members of a Jersey Boys-style acapella threesome.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Drawing pictures of household objects but giving them all hideous, rictus faces.

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

Occasionally we feel the pressure to comment. But we're an all-white all-male sketch group: we hold back unless we have something important or interesting to say. Sometimes it's good to just keep your mouth shut and do some jokes about bums.

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

Not really. We sort of plough on regardless. To say otherwise would be to wildly overestimate the relevance of our stupid mad bits.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

My. God. Let's. Start. Again.

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

The Simpsons writing room seasons 3-10. The best television comedy full stop.

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?
Tricky. A ticketed venue has maybe more of a sense of occasion and 'officiality' (sic). But free venues have that mad, once-in-a-lifetime, what-the-hell-are-we-doing kind of vibe. A bad free show doesn't matter. A bad show that you've paid £10 for smarts a little. That said, ticketed venues guarantee artists some security which free ones rarely do. So, it's tricky. But, crucially, we're at a ticketed venue so please buy tickets for our show :)

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

Prepare. Rehearse. But remember that however much you prepare and rehearse you will get to Edinburgh and fly by the seat of your pants for an entire month. And most pants don't have a seat so actually it's tough.

When and where can people see your show?

9.30pm EVERY night 2nd-27th August at the Bedlam Theatre.

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

[email protected]

Princes of Main: New Year's Eve is performing at Bedlam Theatre at 21:30 on 2nd – 27th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.