comedy@list.co.uk

Love him or hate him and, let’s face it, no one really finds themselves in that safe middle ground here - there’s no doubting Jimmy Carr’s ability to write and deliver a cutting set-up and punchline. Whether Joke Technician will include some typically borderline offensive material remains to be seen, but if the 8 Out of 10 Cats host is doing his job properly, there’ll be outrage aplenty.

E/CC, 0844 847 7639, unit/24

Aug, 9pm, £75 (E 73).

Hayseed Dixie front guy John Wheeler is turning to stand-up comedy for a one-off Fringe appearance this year. Here he cuts a swathe through our Q&A.

What five words best describe your stand-up show?

Only the truth is funny.

Which comics should be more famous than they are now?

Just Jamie Kilstein. Here is a man that is not only funny but also likes ale.

Can you tell me one strange thing that you’ve heard about Edinburgh in August that you would really like to believe is true? That August is the one month of the year in which it doesn't rain much. I don't believe it. but I'd like to . . .

Name one dead comedian you wish was alive and working today? Bill Hicks. That's a much more cliched answer in the UK than it would he in the US. Nobody knows him there. but I'd give many earthly possessions to hear him do ten minutes on Bush. Osarna but I aden and Coldplay.

Tell us one rumour you’d like to start about yourself?

I was dating Kate Moss. but she iust COuIdn't party with me properly. After 12 or 13 days on a cocaine. booze and health food—organic-smoothie bender. she w0uld just to go to bed. Nobody told me it was nap time!!! I was on a freakin' mission, and she Just couldn't hang!!! So now I'm dating Brigitte Nielsen.

I Gilded Balloon Teviot, 668 7633, 23 Aug, 10.45pm, 5.43.50.

Barry 8: Stuart The Part- Time Warlocks from Aberdeenshire continue their mission to make magic cool again. Underbelly, 0844 545 8252, until 24 Aug, 70.20pm, 2950—87 7.50 (28.50—00.50).

Pajama Men With Versus vs Versus. this physical duo from the States have cemented their reputation. Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 24 Aug, 7.40pm, $72—$73 (27 7—272).

Jon Richardson He may be a Dogmatic so-and-so, but here is a genial northern comic with a brightly burning future. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 8.40pm, £7 7 —£‘7 2 (89.50—00.50).

Aeneas Faversham Forever A blistering and mind- bending assault on the senses as the Penny Dreadfuls are in for a pound with some heavy- duty narrative brilliance. See review. page 74. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 7. 70pm, 2950—87 0.50 (28—29).

Jason Cook An incredibly moving and spectacularly funny ride across one Geordie man's bared soul. See review. page 80. The Stand II, 558 7272, until 24 Aug, 5.20pm, £8 (£7).

The Meeting Excellent site- specitic silliness from messrs Thomas. Bird and Sweet as a simple boardroom gathering descends into workplace hell. See review. page 78. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug, 6. 20pm, 5950—87050 (£8—E9).

Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler Schaal and pal bring us a quirky hour of melodrama pastiche and comedy gesturing. See review, page 76 Assembly Rooms, 623 3030. until 23 Aug, 9. 70pm, £72.50 (E7 7).

John Pinette The big guy with the massive talent talks about food from every conceivable angle in hilarious fashion. Udderbe/ly’s Pasture, 0844 545 8252. until 25 Aug,

9. 75pm, {NO—£72.50 (29—27 7.50).

2/". Aug .1 Set) 2006 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 71