Who puts your pants in the washing machine?
Nobody puts my pants in the washing machine. I get a Scottish washer woman to clean them by hand every night and to starch them in the morning. I recommend it. There’s nothing like a recently starched pair of Scottish pants.
Which words make you giggle or give you an inner flip of amusement?
Marble Obelisk. Tidy Face. Pompidou.
Tell us about your favourite addictions.
Green tea. I have no idea what quirk of boring fate makes green tea one of the things I enjoy most in life, but it is. Green Tea. Addicted.
What´s your favourite comedy routine of all time?
Bill Bailey pumping out the BBC News theme tune like he’s at a post-apocalyptic rave.
Where is your favourite place to go for food during the Edinburgh Fringe?
I love the baked potato place on just off the Royal Mile. Brilliant baked potatoes. Cheap. Happy. Cheerful. Baked. Potatoes
What´s the weirdest thing an audience member has ever said to you?
“Do you consider yourself a Real Man, or a Fake Man? Because a Real Man would follow me out of this club and back to my house right now.” The person then walked out of the club. I didn’t follow them. They scared me.
What have you learned about life through performing at the Fringe?
Your friends are the best way to get through the hardest times. Even if your friends are other comedians that are getting nominated for every comedy award under the sun.
If you could be in a sketch with any two living comedians, who would they be and what would the sketch be about?
The Two Chuckle Brothers – about finding out that I am actually the real Barry Chuckle and the other one is a Russian Spy here to infiltrate CBBC.
Tell us about a coincidence or piece of luck that led you to where you are today.
I ended up accidentally being driven to Edinburgh one year to perform at So You Think You’re Funny. I thought I would miss my heat, but Melanie Miller of the Red Rose Café was going up that VERY night. If I hadn’t gone and done that – I might not be (exacly) where I am today.
Who are you most excited about seeing this year?
I am inordinately excited to see Masud Milas’ show. I haven’t managed to see it in preview, and I hear it’s brilliant. Also – Daniel Kitson makes me giggle outside. Jen Brister makes me giggle in the porch.
What can you definitely advise us against doing in Edinburgh?
Do not, under any circumstances, do a gig on top of Arthur’s Seat every single day of the festival. That would be an insane idea. You would wear down the cartilage in your knees and get very cold and wet more days than not. I did it in 2012 (and 2013 because I’m a slow learner)
Catch Barry Ferns: Barry Loves You at Just The Tonic at The Tron at 9pm, 3 – 27 August (not 13)
An hour of entertainment on what it is like to be the human being Barry Ferns living life in the 21st century*. Here is previous review for a previous show: ‘A marvellous, personal, beautifully constructed, laughter-packed hour’ **** (Scotsman). *This century.
Punchline 