Adrian Poynton

Adrian Poynton in 'Success'

What is your show all about?

It's another play but this time its not about anyone famous. Last year I wrote and performed 'A Very Naughty Boy' about Monty Python's Graham Chapman. It was a total sell out and won a Fringe First Award but this year I feel it's time for me to step out from behind the big famous mans coat tails and go it alone (what a fool I am). This years it's a one man play (see I'm a fool) called 'SUCCESS'. It's the all to familiar story of an actor waiting for the phone to ring and his growing frustration (and boarderline insanity) dealing with the fact someone else might have got the job!

Where and when can we see it?

'Success' is on 4th - 30th Aug in the Pleasance Courtyard at 4.35pm. Please come and enjoy it, this is my difficult 2nd album!

Do you love Edinburgh or is it a chore?

I love it. I've performed at every festival since 1999 in some way or another but 2003 was my first full fest and my first doing a proper show (other years have been bits and bobs of stand up).

Like I said last year was a huge success so this year might be a disaster and every year might then become a chore! I kinda worry if anyone thinks the fringe is a chore! It costs so much to perform and you really have to put the work in, it's very dog eat dog. My theory is if you find it a chore... Don't go!

What will you be doing with the other 23 hrs of the day?

I love catching up with loads of my friends. Edinburgh is great for seeing loads of people that you haven't seen for ages. It's also great to make loads of new friends!

I also try and go and see loads of other shows. I make the most of my performers pass. One thing I do like to treat myself to is once a week I try and go and see a show that has had bad, bad reviews and word of mouth. I do this for two reasons. One they probably need the bums on seats and two, no matter how bad your show is going someone is always doing something worse. It can make you feel great about your stuff!

What's the best thing you've ever seen on the fringe?

In 1999 Dave Gorman really blew me away with 'Better World'. It was so much more than just a man talking! As for men talking you can't get better than Adam Hill's 'Go you big red fire engine'. Adam just makes you feel good and boy is he funny. This year its 'big red fire engine 2' gonna be good!

As for theatre last year I though 'Greed' was brilliant. It was a live silent movie! Great story, acting and both funny and moving (and they didn't say a word!)

What's the worst thing you've seen?

Really to many to choose from. It usually turns out to be something by someone I know... I hate that! I get really annoyed with comics who just go to the fringe and perform their club set. It just seems a bit cheap and I wonder whats the point? Edinburgh is the chance to break away from that and show everyone what you really got!

What's the most curious thing that's happened to you in Edinburgh?

Many not printable! The fringe is great to have adventures! I have this image in my head of the very end of the Perrier Party 2003. I was quite drunk and had had a great time dancing and allowing Dara O'Briain to beat me at Jenga (he knows i let him win). I was on my way out, turned to Tom Price and said 'What a mental night that was, so much looney stuff happening...' At that exact moment a dwarf rode past us on a motorised football! Only in Edinburgh!

If you could persuade one VIP to come to your show who would it be? Why?

I'd quite like Prince Philip to come just for the quality of his heckling!

If the Edinburgh fairy could grant your wish, what would your wish for?

For all years to be as enjoyable and fun as 2003 was. Fingers crossed!

What advice do you have for first time Edinburgh punters?

Come and see my show. I would recomend you book to see it on every day you are at the festival. That way it will be like a film (eg. the Usual Suspects) Every time you see it you will think, oh I didn't notice that last time. Thank go I am watching it for the 5th time. You owe it to yourself!