ScotsGay Magazine

DUSTY LIMITS INTERVIEW - EDINBURGH FRINGE 2006

Equitalk

What should ScotsGay readers expect from Dusty Limits is Heartless?
An hour of heartless self-revelation, satirical observation, and surprising song choices, all laced with irony, with occasional shocking bursts of
sincerity. It's a cabaret show with a comedic slant, not a stand-up show. Cabaret is an older and, in my view, more interesting art-form than stand-up.

How many Edinburgh shows is it now?
This is my second time as a solo performer. I have also hosted the cabaret at the Bongo Club twice before.

You've compered the Tap Water Awards. What are they all about?
The Taps were set up as a kind of 'anti-Perrier', to draw attention to Nestlé's unethical marketing practices in the developing world. Nestlé owns Perrier, and the people behind the Taps thought it wasn't really funny for a company like Nestlé to sponsor a comedy award. The Taps were also intended to recognise performance styles beyond just stand-up comedy; people who embodied the real Fringe spirit, while at the same time sending up the whole idea of giving out awards. Now the Perriers have been axed - for which I think the Taps and Baby Milk Action can take some credit - I hope the Taps keep their satirical, tongue-in-cheek feel. The night of the Taps is always one of the best parties at the Fringe. Awards ceremonies are proliferating in the most absurd way. We at C are joining in by creating the Terrier Awards.

Is George W Bush the most stupid man in the world?
I don't think he's stupid as such, although he is laughably inarticulate. I think he is incredibly
narrow-minded and is the mouthpiece of some very conservative vested interests. And he has the blind zeal of the born-again, which is always hugely dangerous. It's depressing that people defer to him because of his office, because he's so unsuited to it. History will look back on him as like one of those insane Roman emperors, like Nero or Caligula.

Do you consider yourself a comedian that sings, or a singer that tells jokes?
Definitely the latter. The comedy came about purely because the links between the songs got longer and funnier with time. But I am primarily a singer. It's my first great love.

Tell us about the Midnight Carousel
The Carousel is a late-night cabaret. We'll have a bar running throughout and the pick of the Fringe's cabaret and burlesque performers.

What other Fringe shows will you be seeing?
Where do I begin? I will try to see as much as I can at Aurora Nova, which always has a brilliant programme of physical theatre. I will go see Tim Minchin's new show and try to get him drunk afterwards. Amy Lamé's Mama Cass show is obligatory. And as much live music as I can. 

Do you like Edinburgh? Do you like Scots? 
I love Edinburgh. I have been many times outside the Fringe and I never tire of it. And I love the Scots; this is my ancestral home (Scottish father!) so I feel connected to it, the landscape and the people. I just can't seem to get my hands on a Limits tartan. I spend a lot of time exploring kilts, so you think I would have found one by now.

Dusty Limits is Heartless
C central
9:50pm 4th-28th Aug (not 14th or 21st)
£8.50/£7.50. page31