Geordie giant Luke Benson was named one of the 'Top 10 Comics to Look Out For' in 2011 by London Is Funny. In 2012, he's bound to be even funnier - so check out his Edinburgh Fringe show Backseat Hero. But not before you've read his Edinburgh Q&A, of course...
Pitch your Edinburgh show in 25 words or less.
A light-hearted look at stalking. A David and Goliath encounter - only Goliath isn’t much bigger, and David is a loon. There will be jokes.
Your best Edinburgh moment?
I did the Charlie Harthill Reserve benefit gig last year, which doesn't just help fund shows like the one I was in (The Comedy Reserve) but was also a superb lineup in a really great room. It felt like an acknowledgement, and was an absolute pleasure.
And your worst?
In my first year, I shared an hour with a mate. We were playing to eight people, one of which was me ma (mother) - who upon being bantered with by the other bloke, set about heckling with WMD levels of force. Tough gig. There are a lot of heckle putdowns you can't really use on a blood relative. "I don't come to where you work and slap the (blank) out your mouth..." etc.
You've got one hour free in Edinburgh - what do you do?
I'll go for a swim or something. To counter the destruction, I try to deceive my body into feeling healthy.
Which Edinburgh landmark/venue/place would you give a five star review to?
I think the spire over on Princes Street because it's so imposing and you can climb it. Plus, it looks like Sauron's tower.
Give us a secret Edinburgh tip!
If in doubt, ask for ID.
Deep-fried haggis or deep-fried Mars bar?
Haggis.
Kilt or trousers?
Trousers.
Arthur's Seat or Arthur Smith?
Arthur Smith on Arthur's Seat.
Complete this sentence: “In Edinburgh, I will be mainly...
...doing comedy or in the company of comics, making merry, and occasionally swimming. ”
Luke Benson’s show Backseat Hero is at 20.45 at the Pleasance Courtyard, 1-26 August (not 13). Find out more and book tickets here.