‘Scottish comedy has never been stronger than it is right now’: Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Robin Grainger

Back in 2022, Robin Grainger performed his show to just one audience member on his opening night.

Instead of being a low point, it proved a pivotal moment for the Scottish comedian as his story made headlines worldwide and won him the backing of Hollywood star Kevin Hart – and the perfect quote for a Fringe show poster.

Back with his new show Refurb, Robin answers our festival Q&A…

How is your Fringe going so far?

My fringe is going amazing so far! It’s my favourite time of year. I’m so proud of this year’s show; it’s really funny and I’ve had some shows sell out already, amazing audiences and people who saw last year’s show are coming back to see this one. It’s been a lot of fun.

What’s your show all about?

My show is all about being born dangerously premature, my childhood, my insecurities around body image and how I’ve reinvented or refurbished myself along the way to try and fit in with a world I’ve always felt at odds with. I try to find out if looking good makes us feel good or if being the odd one out actually makes me stand out.

Your story of performing to one person in 2022 made headlines around the world, how do you reflect on it now?

I’m still so overwhelmed by the ongoing responses to it. I still get messages on social media all the time about it. I’m very grateful to everyone who saw the show after reading that story. Ultimately I’m very proud I did the show and am forever indebted to my girlfriend for telling me to do the show in the first place. I also still speak to Mike (the one audience member) all the time. I owe him everything too because he took a chance on a show and is one of the nicest human beings for that and so much more.

Scottish comedy seems to be thriving at the moment, how pleased are you to be a part of it?

Scottish comedy has never been stronger than it is right now and rightly so; the wealth of talent we have is shockingly good. Nothing brings me more joy that seeing good people do well and achieve the success they deserve and I’m happy and honoured to be a part of it.

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

I would make the fringe more financially viable for performers – the model used by venues like The Stand and Monkey Barrel Comedy Club are how it should be so people aren’t drowning in debt come September. Discounted accommodation for performers is a must.

What’s your favourite spot to visit in Edinburgh?

I’m so busy with shows most days, my favourite place to visit is the park near my flat. I walk the dog and mutter to myself about the show. It’s peaceful and I leave my phone at home and just enjoy watching my dog sniff about. I’m envious of how present she is and it inspires me to be more like her. Life is busy and sometimes we need to stop and smell some flowers from time to time.

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

When I was younger and didn’t live in Edinburgh I used to visit my auntie in the summer. She lived near Cowgate and we’d go and see street performers, get a crepe from the wee van at Grassmarket and I’d take my skateboard to Bristo Square. I loved how colourful the festival was and how ON it seemed; throngs of happy people and the smell of food in the air. As a performer, the festival has always been a place of magical moments, whether it’s getting to hang out with comedy heroes, do shows you wouldn’t otherwise or see loads of creative people. I’ve always wanted to be a fringe comedian and do a new show every year. The chance to gig every single day and cultivate an audience, whether in droves or one audient at a time, is a blessing.

What essential item have you packed to survive a month at the Fringe?

My phone charger; when the story of performing to one person became global news, I had to do 100 TV and radio interviews around the world in the first ten days alone, along with an average of three shows a day for the month. I was constantly on 9% battery.

Who’d be your dream:

Podcast guest / co-host

Billy Connolly. The greatest. Could you imagine the stories!

Wrestling tag team partner

Mankind. Slightly odd but ultimately lovable, a bit like me. I talk about wrestling in the show. He was always my favourite.

Comedian to split a bill with

Jerrod Carmichael. His special “Rothanial” is one of the best I’ve seen recently and it has stayed with me. I also think his thoughtful, contemplative style would be a good contrast to my energetic storytelling style.

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

There are so many phenomenal shows and I have too many talented friends. I would suggest grabbing a venue brochure for The Stand Comedy Club and just trying to work your way through it because the line-ups are stacked this year. Same for Monkey Barrel Comedy Club. Alternate between those venues and you will see some ground-breaking stuff for sure. Ultimately, take a chance on a show because you never know what could happen

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

How do you write your show and remember it? I’m fascinated by the writing process of different comedians- my hour long show is whittled down to six words- a word per ten minutes- that I recite before I go on each night like the weirdest shopping list ever.

I also know that post-show food is vital to comedians so I’d also ask what’s your favourite place for food during the festival? (I’d like to take this opportunity to shout out Razzo Pizza and Sabzi for fuelling me this festival)

Robin Grainger: Refurb, The Stand 2, 8.10pm, until August 25 (excl 12)