This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I speak to Liam Withnail about his work in progress show.

Location: Artista (The Secret Comedy Club)
Date: 25th May
Time: 20:00
Ticket Price: £5
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/liam-withnail-wip/

Hello! Tell us about your act ? 

I’m a stand-up comedian. My show is about a recent hospital stay I had and being diagnosed with a chronic illness. 

How did you come up with the name of your show that you are taking to the Brighton fringe?

Easy – My show is called Chronic Boom! As it’s an hour of jokes about me learning I have a chronic illness.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

This is comedy that’ll make you think – but only after you’ve laughed. Making big subjects funny is my strong suit.

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

An hour of stand up comedy from a stalwart of the comedy circuit. I’ve performed all over the world, you’re in safe hands!

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

The godfather of Scottish comedy, Vladimir McTavish – comes to Brighton every year and I love him!

How are the rehearsals going?

Feedback from early previews has been overwhelming. People are really connecting with a show about chronic illness 

Have you done the fringe before? What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

This is my fourth time at the Brighton Fringe – Favourite has to be a busy run at the Caroline of Brunswick in 2019. I thought I had no profile in Brighton whatsoever and then managed to fill the venue for four nights in a row!

What advice would you give to others who want to perform at Brighton Fringe next year?

Get some Korean Chicken Wings from Chikini. They’re delicious. 

What is the best thing about performing at the Brighton fringe?

Comedy literate audiences, Great nightflight, Korean Chicken Places, People who don’t get bored of you mentioning Korean chicken place.s 

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

… Well you know ONE of them

I actually have a tattoo of the old burned down pier. Beautiful in the sunset.

Shopping on the lanes

Leafleting and promotion through the streets of Brighton is a huge part of the festival – what are your tips for flyering?

Chat to people, ask them about their day –  don’t just go for the hard sell! Its annoying

Tell us about your average day on a festival show run?

I wake up at 4 am. Do 500 Push ups. Drink my first powersmoothie of the day. Then i read philosophy books for a few hours, before debating other men online. After a second 500 push ups, i’m ready to get out of bed. I then enter a meditative state where I do most of my writing. By time i come to I’ve performed the show already and have no idea how it went. Hard to sleep after that so I’ll knock myself over the head with a brick. Then do it all again the next day!

Performing by the sea as well, that surely makes the fringe all that much more fun?

Yes, always handy to know I can reach international waters if things get too hairy.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Myself. Obviously I think what I’ve written is funny, so 100 of me would work.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

@liamwithnail on everything

And Finally finish this sentence – ‘you should see our show at Brighton Fringe because….

I’ll give you chicken