Today we chat with Paul Vickers whose off-centre comedy show, Twonkeys Cottage is a treasure trove of bizarre tall tales.  On throughout the duration of the the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe, you can see Twonkeys Cottage at The Counting House from the 13th to the 29th of August at 12.10 pm each afternoon as part of the Free Festival.

1.   What inspired you to become a comedian?

I’ve tried my hand at every aspect of the arts so all the genres you’ve listed match me. I’ve always liked the way Freddie Starr would jump from escapology to an Elvis impersonation and then pretend go three rounds with Frank Bruno.

2.   What’s your show about and where are you taking your show after the Edinburgh Fringe?

‘Twonkeys Cottage’ is cabaret; it features songs, sketches and some heartache. I’d like to tour the world; I think the central theme of a hungry witch dragon eating my arm off while I try to tell stories has global appeal!

3.   What are you most proud of?

My underwater circus! It’s a clever little idea  – it just involves four litres of water, some rubber table stoppers, a tin circus and a little bit of spitting, it’s a class act and the highlight of the show.

4.   If you had a chance to work with anyone of your choosing, who would it be?

Industrial light and magic…I would give them something to work on I can tell you that!

5.   What kind of questions do you most like to be asked about your work and why?

Well I know what I don’t like and that’s been asked “how do you come up with all your ideas?” which is a silly question really, there’s no big secret, it’s just what goes on in inside my head. I always think its fun when people mention a specific story or song and ask you delve deeper.

6.   Do the reviewers of Fringe shows do a good job?

I bloody hope so, I am hoping they will help me out with the odd review.

7.    What do you feel about the current state of Arts funding available?

There should be more of it but from times of hardship comes great art… maybe there will be a few less fireworks up at the castle this year but there’s always party poppers and the I-tunes visualizer.

8.   Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why [dead celebrities included]?  And what tasty treat would you prepare?

Brian Blessed – he always eats with such vigour!

Paul Robeson – athlete, actor, orator, concert singer, lawyer, social activist need I say more.

Bess Houdini – I wrote a song about her it would be nice to meet her.

Lillian Gish – the silent movie actress.  I have been strangely fascinated by her recently.

Popeye – I like the way he opens cans.

I think I would do them all Bangers and Mash with a glass of champagne.

9.   What do you do to relax?

I never relax but I have heard its good fun.

10.   What would be your dream come true?

At the moment five stars in The Scotsman.