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‘There’s something special about watching a show that changes your life and then bombing an hour later’: Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Paddy Young

Comedian Paddy Young.
Comedian Paddy Young.

Edinburgh Comedy Award’s 2023 Best Newcomer nominee and reigning winner of Chortle’s Best Newcomer Award Paddy Young is back for more at this year’s Fringe after his hit debut hour.

In new show If I Told You I’d Have To Kiss You, Paddy is sharing his cartoonish take on love, life, friendship, and yearning, as well as sharing big questions and outlandish theories.

Here, he answers our festival Q&A

How are you feeling ahead of this year’s Fringe?

Right now I can’t believe my luck! I mean my mood is constantly fluctuating so it changes minute by minute but right now I’m excited! God I feel terrible about it actually, maybe it was a mistake. No, I feel brilliant about it, I honestly can’t believe my luck!

What’s your show all about?

It’s about yearning: longing, pining, the L Word – you get it? I bang on about Huel for a while and Babestation gets a generous amount of airtime. There might be an in memoriam segment for pitbulls, but it’s mainly about love, and cars of course. If you’ve ever pined for someone or have been in a car I think you’ll love it. I also have a take on Giant Wotsits that I think will be a real gamechanger.

How pleased were you with the best newcomer nomination and the Chortle win last year?

I couldn’t believe my luck! Listen, any comedian worth their salt will tell you – we couldn’t give a MONKEYS about Joe Public, those slugs will laugh at anything. It’s all about the suits, the commissioners and the bloggers. I’d do anything to keep them happy.

What did you learn from your debut hour that you’re taking into this year’s show?

Last year I spent a lot of time writing jokes and then all everyone talked about was the faces I pulled. So this year I’ve come up with tons of new faces that are gonna cause a real stir.

How excited are you to bring Rodeo back to Edinburgh again (and have you recovered from the Glasgow Comedy Festival edition…?)

The Fringe is the spiritual home of RODEO! It’s a late night comedy show that me and my pal Lois fill with our favourite acts. At the Fringe we’re spoilt for choice, so the lineup is quite frankly quackers. Glasgow were kind to us! We let this local act Marc Jennings on, his first or second gig I think. Kid’s got promise.

If you were in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?

Instead of stars out of five, you get a stamp that says FUNNY or NOT FUNNY.  Keep it simple. Some comics will disagree; no prizes for guessing which stamp they’re getting.

What’s your favourite spot to visit in Edinburgh?

I go to Ikigai Ramen most days, everything else is a blur.

How have your previous experiences of the festival been – either as a visitor or performer?

There’s something very special about watching a show that completely changes your life and then completely bombing an hour later and then getting ramen with your friends.

What essential item are you packing to survive a month at the Fringe?

LAMPS. I’m bringing lamps. Loads of em (three). The student accommodation we stay in is lit like an interrogation room and it made me quite unhappy. These three lamps will not only transform my Edinburgh experience, but also my audience’s.

Who’d be your dream:

Podcast guest / co-host

Les Dawson

Wrestling tag team partner

I’m a pacifist, so probably Ghandi.

Comedian to split a bill with

Les Dawson

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?

Bebe Cave, Dee Allum, silent disco.

What question would you ask other comedians in a Q&A – and why?

What do your parents do for a living? No reason in particular.


Paddy Young – If I Told You I’d Have To Kiss You, Monkey Barrel 4, Jul 30 – Aug 23 (excluding 14), 7.50pm