My Festival: Spencer Jones
The multi-faceted comic on dogs, Joe Pasquale’s boiled eggs, going to hospital in his pants, and why his Fringe show is the best one you’ll see this year.
There are thousands of shows in Edinburgh this month. Please tell us why we should come and see yours.
Firstly, mine’s the best show. And no matter what sort of comedy you like there’s a little bit of everything in it - stand up, music, visual, observational. I don’t just do one thing. So if there were four of you coming and all of you had different tastes, there’s something for everyone in my show.
What will we learn from your show that we didn’t know before?
Humans are amazing and you have power to make the world a better place one interaction at a time. Also, dog owners are funny.
Who or what was the biggest inspiration for your show?
My mortgage. It needs paying every month. So that inspires me to be as funny as I can. Also my dog Mia. She’s hilarious. Terrible breath though, like quite a few comedians.
Enjoying The Scotsman's coverage of the Edinburgh festivals? For just £2 a month you can get unlimited access to scotsman.com plus 2-for-1 Fringe tickets. For details visit www.scotsman.com/subscriptions
What’s the best review you’ve ever had, and the worst?
My son made me a card once that said I was a quite good Dad. My worst was when he told me not to come and watch him playing the school football team anymore. Because I was the only parent that did it, in the daytime the rest of the parents are at work. I felt like a football scout.
Who or what are you most excited about seeing this year?
There’s a really decent pizza place on the Grassmarket. And Rob Auton the comedian, his shows always make me look at the world in a much more positive light.
Who do you most like spending time with in Edinburgh?
I had a lovely pint with three primary school teachers after one of the shows. They were great. Also My tech operator Ren. She’s quality. But mainly Joe Pasquale. He brings me boiled eggs and makes me laugh a lot.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
Last night, I had a whole tub of taramasalata and a Mars milk just before bed. I had terrible acid indigestion throughout the whole night and I thought I was going to die.
What are the best and worst things that have happened to you at a festival?
The best thing is that I’ve been nominated for the main award twice but haven’t won it yet - always the bridesmaid. Worst is that I once sliced open my hand with a Stanley knife making props before a show and had to go to hospital in my pants because I couldn’t get my trousers on.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
That’s private, and I can’t believe you would ask me such a question. But basically, it’s a wee wee.
Spencer Jones: Dogs, Pleasance Courtyard, 8.15pm, until 30 August.
The Scotsman’s arts newsletter is now sent twice a week - subscribe today
Enjoying the Arts & Culture journalism on scotsman.com? Make it easier to find by selecting us as a preferred Google source
Want the latest Scottish headlines sent directly to your phone? Sign up to our new WhatsApp channel here
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.