Tommy Tiernan really does need no introduction. He is a Perrier Award winner, he appeared in one of the greatest-ever episodes of Father Ted and, well, you should just go and see him, simple as that. He is bringing his powerhouse show Out of The Whirlwind to the Fringe this year. When I saw a version at the Soho Theatre it had everything – stories, gags, loud bits, quiet bits, angry bits, insightful bits, controversial bits, twinkly bits. Tiernan is what you might call the real deal, he has every type of comedy screwdriver in his toolbox. Go see a master at work. 

Tommy Tiernan is at the Gilded Balloon from August 5 - 28. Tickets and info here.

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth )?

I always check to see if I’m in the right building and once I’m convinced that I’m supposed to be there then I close my eyes and imagine being heckled. If I can come up with something funny as a reply, I go on and if I can’t then I wait until I can. I know that if I’m in the right frame of mind to handle the unexpected then I’m in the right frame of mind to begin.

2. What irritates you?

Myself mostly.

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

I got married and had children.

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

I was living in a house with no heating and I wanted to wash my hair so I boiled a kettle full of water. I forgot about it for a while and then later to see if the water was still hot I poured it on to my head. I scalded myself.

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

I’m constantly amazed at what the audience find funny, either from myself or others. Its never wise to over or underestimate them, you just throw the stuff out and see what happens.

Interview continues here.