Ken Cheng won Dave's Joke of the Fringe last year with "I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” So no pressure then on his new Edinburgh Finge show, Best Dad Ever. This is the Cambridge mathematics dropout and professional poker player's second stand-up hour and it explores his unusual upbringing. To find out the way it was unusual you'll have to buy a ticket, but we can tell you that as a child he has an obsession with toy lambs.
Ken Cheng: Best Dad Ever is at Bedlam Theatre August 1 - 26. Tickets here.
Picture: Steve Ullathorne
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)?
What?! I don't even do that. I'm worried now that I've been doing shows with my flies undone for several years. I just imagine myself killing, then when I go on stage I have that image in my head and it makes me perform better.
2. What irritates you?
This is probably true of all comedians but any unsolicited feedback. I actually don't like how people by default believe their opinions matter, because they are often just dumb. I'm all for free speech but not for free-me-having-to-hear-your-speech. The worst is when someone with 10 followers replies to my tweet with some hate. It doesn't affect my opinion of myself at all - I just move on - but I am just annoyed that they believe their opinion is worthwhile. Along with free speech people also have the freedom to shut up, and they should exercise it more.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I once decided to test how accurate a "use by" date actually is. I survived but by the skin of my teeth.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
When I was 13 I remember clicking on a link that was obviously a virus. It said like "Jessica Alba naked" or something. That was pretty dumb, because not only could I not detect a fishy URL, I was also blinded by my desire to objectify women. I've learned my lesson though. I'm now weary of all weird web addresses, and also all naked women, even in real life.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
Maybe the fact that I'm doing it at all. A month before my first gig I never even considered the possibility of standing on a stage and talking. I was incredibly shy when I was young, and it was absolutely not something that I was inclined to do. I'm surprised every day about my position in comedy at all.
