Impertinent Questions for Rosco McClelland

What is your favourite synonym for “bum”?

That’s a tough one right at the top, I think bum does the job! But if I can’t just choose bum then probably second on the list would be “Farter”… but hold the F for gravitas.

Whose swearing makes you laugh the most?

Currently Tim Robinson, he makes every swearword seem intense and purposeful, if you haven’t check out I Think You Should Leave Now on Netflix, then what are you waiting for?

Who should come to see your show and why?

Almost everyone, there’s probably some stuff that people might not think I should be joking about. But it’s just the truth, and stand up is best when it’s honest.

Who are you excited about seeing this year?

All my friends! There are too many shows to start mentioning individual ones, but my favourite thing is just spotting people I know in the city and just having a quick catch up with them as we move between gigs.

Imagine you come off stage and find a wish come true. Which food/drink/present/person would be waiting for you?

Maybe I’ve had an absolutely amazing show, and I come offstage and everyone I love is there. And a big microphone wearing a hat gives me a case with a million pounds in it and says “Congratulations Rosco. You’ve completed comedy, you made everybody laugh”.

Describe your perfect day at the Fringe.

The sun is out, people are happy. You can hear the sound of buskers move through the air on the wind, I’ve done about 5 gigs and all sets were completely different but lovely. I go meet some friends in a comedians’ bar, we have some drinks and have a laugh on the walk home.

How long does it take to come down after a show and how do you do it?

I usually get home and it takes me till about 3am to settle my adrenaline, usually I stick my computer on and start making something… be it a song, or a video.

In the game “Would You Rather?” what’s the hardest choice you have had to make?

I once freaked out because I’d smoked too much weed at Wickerman Festival when me and a big group of mates were playing this game, I thought the answers I gave would alter people’s perception of me. Really it was just a combination of paranoia and being young and dumb. However I still maintain I would fuck up a horse sized duck.

What’s your favourite Brexit metaphor?

I do one joke about Brexit, it’s about how England is a Mum and Scotland is a child in a soft play just having a good time…but it’s in the show so no punchline for you I’m afraid!

Who or what helped you believe you were going to make it in comedy?

It’s a combination of things really, being trusted by the major clubs to work for them. Being accepted by my peers as an act and friend. And mostly the audiences, they ultimately decide whether you’re funny or not, and luckily the large majority have come with me on whatever I’ve tried to do.

Tell us something your agent doesn’t want us to know.

I bought all these foam bricks that people throw at me during the show, but they’re more bricky than I thought so I’m probably gonna take some sore ones during the course of the festival…. aim well people.

Buy tickets for Rosco McClelland: Magic Belly here

4.35pm | Monkey Barrel | 1-11, 13-25 Aug