ScotsGay Magazine

CRAIG HILL INTERVIEW - EDINBURGH FRINGE 2006

Equitalk

This is your 8th year at the Edinburgh Fringe. How has the show changed over the years?
It is my 8th year performing at the fringe but it's actually only my 7th Solo show, so I'm considering this to be my Seven Year Itch and I can't tell you how much I want to scratch!
I think with every show I've become more confident with playing with the audience and for me that's always the funniest part of the show. It's become less about me doing Diva impersonations and more about anecdotes and observations but I still sneak in a tune or two. But essentially it's still just me having a really good laugh with a bunch of new friends!

What should ScotsGay readers expect from Kilty Pleasures?
To leave feeling happier than when they went in. That's my main aim. For you to forget your troubles, come on get happy, chase all your blues away. 'Kilty Pleasures' is like me bumping into an old friend and catching up. I just can't wait to share what I've been up to. This year I took my kilt and my little Scottish slant on life to Athens, Madrid, Barcelona, Belgium and Peebles. 
I also did my first proper trip to America this year, and my God, the show practically wrote itself! Those guys just set themselves up for comedy whether they know it or not. I've seen all walks of life and I'm bursting with gossip!

What's the rudest joke you've ever told?
I don't really do rude and crude, it makes people feel uncomfortable. But I once did a joke about a former exotic dancer who was now working in a guest house and how I was worried about her firing boiled eggs across the breakfast room!

What is it like having your own TV show?
It was such a buzz doing that show. It was definitely the highlight of last year. To be honest it never really feels like it's just your show, because there are so many people involved in making it work, I had such fun! I think the ultimate highlight must have been learning to drive a tank. I didn't even have to fake the screams! And as Patrick Swayze says, 'I had the time of my life!'

What other Fringe shows will you be seeing?
I haven't had a good look through the Fringe brochure, but I'll definitely be going to see 'End of the Rainbow' with Caroline O'Connor, who I thought was great a couple of years ago in 'Bombshells.' And I'd love to see the 'Tribute to Eva Cassidy.' I always think the Film Festival's really cool, but I never get a chance to see much.
Who is your favourite comedian?
I always find this question really difficult. I like so many different styles of comedy. I love Robin Williams for his ability to invent characters, Victoria Wood has always made me laugh and I love the balls of Bette Midler in the early days when she did stand up. And Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage literally had me falling off the sofa laughing. And Peter Kay is just the warmest, naturally funny comedian I've ever seen. 

Edinburgh or Sydney? Discuss.
Well so many of my friends have moved from Edinburgh to Sydney, so it's a difficult one. It's hard to beat Sydney for location and weather. It's a beautiful city, with a great gay scene, a fantastic lifestyle and I could easily see myself living there. But because I love travelling, I wouldn't want to live that far away. Edinburgh however, is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it's safe, it's friendly, it's easy going and more than anything, it's where my partner and all my friends live and where I came out and learned to feel happy about being gay. Edinburgh's a wonderful place to live - Sydney's a wonderful place to visit -so why not have both? 

So, what should the Scottish National Anthem be?
"Morning Train (Nine to Five)" by Sheena Easton - I think we could do with camping the whole thing up. I'd just love to hear 20,000 football supporters singing it at the end of a match - "My baby takes the morning train…."

Craig Hill - Kilty Pleasures
Assembly, George St
7:20pm 4th-28th Aug (not 13th or 21st)
£12.50/£11.50/£10.50. page28