In a time when you can’t do right for doing wrong, Steve N Allen, best known for his smart-suited, sharp-tongued regular appearances on BBC Two's Mash Report, takes a look at how hard it is to be better in his Edinburgh show. When you want to be PC, right on or woke, it can be tough. Be better than an angry Twitter egg. Be better than you. Steve N Allen's show is an entertaining, sometimes hard-edged guide to being better than. Time Out described Allen as having "cutting wit'" and who are we to disagree?

The Mash Report is on Thursdays on BBC2 at 10pm from September 5.

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 close my eyes and remember as vividly as possibly what it feels like to do a cracking gig. (I have a long memory, I know.) My plan is to walk on that stage as if it's already going well, I think that gives it the best chance of being a good gig.

And if it goes badly, well, at least I had a nice walk to the mic.

2. What irritates you?

I know it should be something to do with world policy or social injustice but if I am honest it's people not indicating when going left at roundabouts. I must have wasted hours in total sat at the next exit thinking they're going straight ahead, but oh no, they simply don't think they should have to let the little people like me know where they're driving. I can feel my anger building just thinking about it. It's a small thing, I know, but it's a symptom of exactly what's wrong with humanity.

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

As a child I thought it would be a good idea to stick a penknife into the electric heater I had in my bedroom. Getting 240 volts through a knife, that's pretty hardcore.

In a true northern family way I remember my folks being more upset about the broken heater than the frazzle-haired kid.

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

Committed to watching all of Lost. That took some time out of my life.

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

That you can make a career out of this. I still find it amazing that you can make a living out of putting words in different orders. That's basically what we do. We don't make a table or food or anything useful really. We put words in an order that make people laugh and from that bills get paid. It's a miracle. 

Interview continues here.