10 Questions: An Interview with Stuart Miles
Today we are privileged to interview the ex-Blue Peter presenter, Stuart Mills whose solo show, The Adventures of Pink Peter is a unique send up of the famous “sticky-back plastic” children’s show, Blue Peter. He is on at the Sweet Venue, Teviot Place throughout the duration of the Fringe from 6.30 in the early evening. If you love Blue Peter or not, the Adventures of Pink Peter present an exotic change, so let’s learn more about Stuart and his three woman show…
1 What inspired you to become a comedian?
I would say first and foremost I am a TV and Radio Broadcaster who has developed a passion for writing and performing stand-up comedy. I guess the influence for my cross-dressing comedy would have to be some of the greats like Barry Humphries, Matt Lucas and Paul O’Grady. I’ve discovered that cross-dressing on the radio works really well!
2 What is your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The show is camp and fabulous, a tribute to my cross dressing stand-up comedy which I have been performing for the past three years. It features:
- Stella, cut price fashionista…“she fell off the catwalk straight into Primark”;
- Annette Curtan, who due to her tragic accident and the resulting prosthetic finger has now devoted her life to charity and will make a special appeal;
- Dr Noreen McAvity, who following a disastrous career in cosmetic surgery has turned to the art of Vegetable Cosmetic surgery.
Plus there’s a surprise appearance at the end of the show by Miss Vera Singleton, the estranged sister of Valerie Singleton one of the first ever Blue Peter Presenters!
3 What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
Funniest was taking a woman’s newly bought clothes out of her bag from the audience, going backstage, trying it all on and then walking back on stage in her brand new outfit…she wasn’t happy!
The worst was having to get changed in a gents toilet and having to walk into the cubicle as a man and walk out as a woman!
4 What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?
I have been coming to the Edinburgh fringe for the past three years performing bits and pieces but mainly just having a great time. I love being around all those performers and with everyone in one place it’s such a supportive atmosphere. This year with 21 shows I think I’ll be the one needing the support.
5 What’s your best advice for aspiring performers in your theatrical medium?
Just get up there and do it - its the only way you learn. Reading stuff on a page and thinking you know it is fine but it feels very different when you are on stage performing it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
6 Are there any dreams or goals that you have yet to fulfill?
To be honest at the moment I feel I have taken on all I can what with this show and a daily radio show. I am sure when it is over I will sit down and go “Right. What’s next?”
7 What is the best advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?
Someone told me writing a full length show for Edinburgh is like writing two episodes of a soap. I think that was great advice. I just need a cliffhanger now!
8 What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?
I loved Julian Clary’s ‘A Young man’s Passage’ because it really conveys the pain and the pleasure of gigging early on in your career. Especially if you are doing something a bit out there or different. I can really relate to that.
9 Who is the person you most admire and why?
I admire anyone who has the guts to stand up and do what they believe in. I tend not to put one person on a pedestal as they tend always to end up involved in some sort of scandal…. you know, like all those ex-Blue Peter Presenters!
10 If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Everyone should be naked… so no more Primark… Wars would look like orgies and we’d all have a laugh at the royal family!
