The A-Z of festival mirth

'4 find some acts whose name falsely suggests some on. With the acrobatic duo the Caesar Twins. it’s the . ': Boris Becker can't tell Pablo and Pierre apart. Last

: of sideshow burlesque maestros La Clique, and now

Fifi-i heir own. Their mother must be so PTOUd-

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STEWART LEE takes on our less than quirky Q&A.

5 words to describe your show this year

A desperate howl of frustration.

4 acts who will be more famous in September than they were in July JOSie Long is the funniest 22-year-old woman in Britain. Tim Minchin‘s show is that rare thing: funny musical comedy. John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman: what the world needs now, more than anything, is two over-educated satirists. cocking their snooks. Richard Herring, the less talented half of the former Lee and Herring double act. is finally delivering the user-friendly stand-up set everyone knew he always had in him. 3 things that you love about Edinburgh in August

I love getting up early and spending the day seeing theatre. espeCIally at Aurora Nova.

I like seeing all the new comedy acts I‘ve never heard of who are better than me. And hanging out With all my friends in one of the world's most beautiful Cities.

2 things that you hate about Edinburgh in August

It was never much fun to think of all the money you were losing. day by day. but last year I broke even for only the second time since 1991. And I hate having to listen to people talk about Perrier Awards all the time. I find it hugely disappomting that hundreds of people who really should know better continue to co-operate With it.

1 thing that you would change about the comedy scene

l would like to see voluntary Withdrawal from the Perrier Awards by all pedormers. venues and promoters. Other than that. comedy is brilliant. I've Just spent foiir years in theatre and returned With a new respect for comedians of all different styles.

I Underbelly, 0870 745 3083. 6—28 Aug (not 76), 8. 40pm, £‘9.5()—£.‘70.50 (EB—£9). Prey/ews 4&5 Aug, £5.

comedy@list.co.uk

FESTIVAL COMEDY ;

‘When people are laughing, they’re generally not killing one another’ Alan Alda

Omld Djallll The comedian, actor and sometime bellydancer has insisted that he has No Agenda. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 7—29 Aug (not 76), 8.50pm, £73.50-

27 4.50 (872437 3). Previews until 6 Aug, 87.

Andrew Maxwell Robbed of a Perrier nomination in 2004. the wee lrish fella rolls into town with his Grand Roya/e. Which could mean anything. See preview. P/easance Counyard, 556 6550, 5—29 Aug (not 9,

76), 8pm, £7 7—872 (£9.50— 27050). Previews until 4 Aug, £6.

Rain Pryor Coming over with something of a fanfare. Dickie's daughter serves up Fried Chicken and Latkes. Baby Bel/y, 0870 745 3083, 6—28 Aug (not 75), 8pm, $850—$950 ($750—$850). Previews 4&5 Aug, £5.

Alun Cochrane The Glasgow-born, Yorkshire-raised comic was undoubtedly one of 2004 '8 star newcomers and he's back With more cute tales. See 08A. Edinburgh Comedy Room, The Tron, 226 0000, 7—27 Aug (not 74), 7.30pm. £8—E9 (£7438).

Gamarjobat Don't expect this Japanese duo to shout their success from the rooftops. Because they do mime. See preview. C Electric, 0870 707 5705, 5—29 Aug (not 76). 5.45pm, £9.50 (86.50—88.50).

Rhod Gilbert One of our tips for big things seems more concerned with 1984 than 2005, if his show title is anything to go by. It's Rhod Gilbert ’3 7984, you see. See preview. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 7—28 Aug (not 75). 8.25pm, £8. 50—09. 50 (E 7—E8). Previews 4—6 Aug, 85.

For venue addresses, please see the Fringe programme, log on to www.edfringe.com or call the venue number.

.: l ‘. Aug 2001') THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 9