I think you could safely describe Arthur Smith as a genuine Edinburgh Fringe legend without worrying about a law suit landing on your doorstep. He has done shows based on Shakespeare, shows about Leonard Cohen and then on top of that there are his iconic midnight tours of the city.
Update July 2021 - you can listen to a Radio 4 version of his show Syd, about his father, 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)?
NB I often forget to check my flies and have occasionally come on undone. I am disappointed that I have never worked up a routine about this and surprised that no-one else seems to have either.
Just before ‘clearance’ I have a last fag outside the backstage fire exit door. Next - it’s a bit of a joke based on how the Wimbledon FC team (led by Vinnie Jones) acted in the tunnel before walking out onto the pitch - I ring my partner (or her mum) and say “caged tiger,” to which the response is ‘GO on tiger! I’ve opened the door and thrown some meat out for you… go on tiger ROAR!” I roar back, take a big breath and walk on
2. What irritates you?
I am irritated by almost anything if you pay me enough but since irritation is less than anger, then today - a warm sunny afternoon, I am irritated by the people who are filling all the seats outside the cafes of Balham. As a man who sits outside (usually alone) in February, I feel should have a VIP card that allows me to turf out summertime Johnny-come-latelys.
Also, though I recognise it is de rigueur again now, I am irritated by comedy MCs endlessly asking audience members, “What’s your name? What do you do? Where are you from? Are you married? “
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Nearly drinking myself to death plus numerous dares I did as a boy/young man
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Took some magic mushrooms before I went on stage once
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The first few years I went to the Ed fest there were a handful of comedy shows which were largely university revues. Then when I started on the ‘alternative comedy’ circuit, there were only a few gigs and not many acts. I was surprised when it became so big. And now I am surprised over 40 per cent of under 35s are comedians.
Interview continues here.
