Quite possibly the only comic with a degree in statistics, the multi-talented Gareth Morinan is an artist, animator, writer, actor and doodler. He's bringing his debut solo hour to the Edinburgh Festival this year - and it's aptly entitled Truth Doodler.
Pitch your Edinburgh show in 25 words or less.
I have a projector with Flash animations. I analyse data, critique the government, campaign against heightism, and present my ultimate truth (via whimsical doodles).
Your best Edinburgh moment?
Probably the last show I did in 2011. I packed out the room, people loved it, and one group afterwards said it was the best thing they’d seen the entire Fringe!
And your worst?
I was having a bad day, and when I’m down, things like people staring at me in the street or drunk idiots shouting stuff sort of gets to me. Anyway, I figured I’d cheer myself up by going to see a comedian I enjoy. But as I walked in late, he made a joke about my height (not maliciously, he was just reacting to the room). The roar of laughter from the audience reminded me how hilarious just the sight of a short person is. I couldn’t enjoy the show after that, so I left pretty soon after.
You've got one hour free in Edinburgh - what do you do?
Stroll slowly down the Royal Mile. Take a random flyer. Listen to whatever music is being played. Have a gander at the caricatures. Bump into some artsy type who I haven’t spoken to since last August. Make excuse to walk away from artsy type. Plan next hour.
Which Edinburgh landmark/venue/place would you give a five star review to?
Stroll slowly down the royal mile. Take a random flyer. Listen to whatever music is being played. Have a gander at the caricatures. Bump into some artsy type who I haven’t spoken to since last August. Make excuse to walk away from artsy type. Plan next hour.
Give us a secret Edinburgh tip!
If you walk south from The Meadows, way down Marchmont Road, all the way down to South Oswald Road… then you’ll find free parking!
Deep-fried haggis or deep-fried Mars bar?
I’m a fan of the Mars bar.
Kilt or trousers?
I’ll stick to trousers. I don’t need any more reasons for people to stare at me in the street.
Arthur's Seat or Arthur Smith?
I’m not sure this is a like for like comparison. If I want to have a pleasant chat with someone, then Arthur Smith has got to be the one. If I want somewhere to sit, then Arthur’s Seat. Although it’s quite a climb to get up there, so actually, I’d probably rather sit on Arthur Smith as well.
Complete this sentence: “In Edinburgh, I will be mainly...
...rushing to make last minute edits to whichever shows I have coming up in the next 24 hours.”
Gareth Morinan’s show Truth Doodler is at 13.30 at Underbelly, 1-26 August. Find out more and book tickets here.
