EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Andy Quirk

Tell us a bit about Andy Quirk's Got First World Problems.

Andy Quirk's Got First World Problems is a comedy rap show where I, East London's Premier Rapper of First World Problems, take you on a chart rundown of my biggest modern life problems. Having left my crew at home, it falls to the audience to step in and provide backing vocals, hand claps and a range of unusual percussion roles throughout. Fist pumping therapy with unashamedly pop backing ripped and reimagined from genres ranging from alternative eighties to nineties hard dance - it has something for everyone who's ever been mildly annoyed.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

Having joined the PBH family as part of a three hander at last year's Fringe, I'm excited to have found a supportive home that's now given me the opportunity to move on from simply presenting a collection of songs to building a full show. Last year's audiences were so warm and the general vibe from the public and performers alike so empowering not taking this show to Edinburgh simply wasn't an option.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

The musical and participatory elements of my show are quite unique compared to other acts I've seen in the past few years. It's always satisfying to see audiences start slightly apprehensive when they realise what they've let themselves in for until they override their inhibitions and really go for it. Unlike traditional stand-up or the more moderate cheeky-person-with-a-guitar-singing-slightly-naughty-songs musical comedy the energy is high throughout and it really can feel like a real music gig once everyone gets into it. I also keep it clean as I think relying on sexual innuendo or swearing can be a bit lazy.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

I've seen people of all ages enjoy my show - at Brighton Fringe both a girl in her early teens and her dad really got into it - likewise last year a mum in her fifties took my CD home to her uni student daughter and they sent me a brilliant joint message about the tracks to my Facebook. Students get it, older people get it, people in their thirties (like myself) get it too. Really, so long as you like drum machines and rhymes about getting the wrong kind of coffee you'll be fine!

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

Plenty. I run new act / new material nights in London and lots of acts from there are taking their shows to the Fringe this year. My good friend Andy Onions has a show at the Banshee Labyrinth called Powerpointless which I definitely recommend.

Timings and ticket information for Andy Quirk's Got First World Problems are available on the edfringe website.

For more on Andy Quirk, visit www.andyquirk.co.uk.

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