Firstly, could you introduce yourself, and give a quick summary of your show?
This year my show is Neil Henry: Mindwangler.
Its full of funnny moments that end with truly impossible magical happenings.
I've had loads of fun creating a brand new show of the impossible for this year. It concentrates on magic of the mind. The problem with a lot of mind magic is that it is by default non-visual. The magic happens in the mind so you don't get to see anything happen. I love visual magic so in MINDWANGLER I have tried to take mind magic and make it visual. For instance in last year's show I ate a whole can of Alphabetty Spaghetti and someone would think of a word and instead of just reading their mind I would regurgitate the word they are thinking of in Alphabet spaghetti. I try to use everyday and borrowed objects in the show so everyone can relate to whats happening.
It's an uplifting, funny and brain twisting show that's designed to mess with heads, scratch the bit of the brain that needs itching and have a lot of fun doing it.
What is your earliest arts memory?
My earliest 'arts' memory was when I was at primary school. I was caught mixing the paints in the pots with the same brush and making all the paints brown. The teacher got mad with me.
I never painted again.
What first encouraged you to become a performer?
I was a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral when I was a kid and loved the attention. Especially when I messed around. I used to do things like fake sneeze in the middle of a service just to get attention. I then joined the National Youth Music Theatre and quickly realised that this was what I wanted to do.
Do you remember your first professional performance, and how did it go?
I was playing Oliver Twist and I was so nervous that I did the whole show in double time and the show finished in half the time. Everyone was so confused. I had no idea whatwas going on!
What do you feel is the best thing about your job?
The feeling when an entire audience is surprised by something. I love creating tricks, jokes and experiences that take people by surprise and leave people with a feeling the the impossible has just happened. When this happens people leave with a huge grin on their face and an exciting new memory of a moment of wonder. I love that it is my job to facilitate this.
Conversely, what is the worst?
Its tough having to spend so much time away from my family when I'm on tour.
How do you decide whether or not a show has gone well?
Its tough to really get a good idea of how a show went. I always know how well its gone in comparison to another night but then sometimes audiences can be very quiet and at the end can give a standing ovation and I'm like..Really? Wow. I had no idea you were digging it!
If you could work with anybody, dead or alive, who would you choose to collaborate with?
Rowan Atkinson
What made you want to come to Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I have always loved the 'vibe' in Edinburgh. Ive done a few comedy plays at the Fringe in the past that have gone on to be big West End hits and while that has been amazing it was always Edinburgh that held the fondest memories of the shows. I love the atmosphere and love hanging out with some of my favourite friends for a month of wild madness!
Is performing at EdFringe different from 'traditional' shows?
the audiences in EdFringe are inundated with other shows and you are forced to be different and really develop your unique selling point so you can stand out from the crowd. The shows feel fun and there is a strange sort of camaraderie between the audiences and the performer that you only get at Edinburgh.
If you could travel back in time and give 16 year-old you one piece of advice, what would it be?
Dont be afraid of getting on stage and being yourself. You don't have to be perfect, you just need to be doing it.
What advice would you give to young people who want to enter the industry?
Try to work out what makes you special. Why do you love doing this and why do people love watching you, and then make that your show. I think the best way to do this is to simply perform. Do it wherever you can and as often as you can. The more you try things the more you will realise what is you and what isn't.
Do you have social media that our readers can follow you on?
Where can people catch your show during EdFringe?
Neil Henry : MINDWANGLER
4 PM
Pleasance ACE DOME
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