10 Questions with Tom Craine

Saturday, August 07 2010
Something of a rising star is Tom Craine, a splendid stand-up with TV and radio shows in the bag, but nothing's gonna top that appearance on Songs of Praise...
EiF: Tell us a bit about your show.
TC: My show is called 'Choirboy To Addict and Back Again'. It's about my bumpy life, and a little about psychology. Far more personal and honest than last year.

EiF: How would you describe it in three words.
TC: 6pm Pleasance Hut.

EiF: What's your favourite part of it?
TC: I get to sing. Like I'm 10 again and on Songs of Praise. Which I ruddy was.

EiF: Complete this sentence: "If you like choirboys and recovered addicts, then you'll like my show."

EiF: Is the Edinburgh Comedy Award important to you?
TC: It's in the back of everyone's minds, but as long as I'm improving then I'm happy. I very much appreciate its value in breaking talent. Mike Wozniak being nominated a couple of years ago made me whoop.

EiF: What is your Edinburgh daily regime?
TC: Hopefully healthier than last year. I plan on keeping fit. If you see me running up Arthur's Seat, thats why. If I'm naked its because things are getting on top of me.
You can listen to my radio show on BBC iPlayer each week, you may well hear the point I 'hit the wall'.

EiF: What's your favourite spot in Edinburgh?
TC: The chippy opposite the Pleasance Dome. Their battered haggis is to die for. Or from.

EiF: What advice would you give to an Edinburgh virgin?
TC: Catch some shows from people you've never heard of before. And Dan Antopolski. Once again his hour is inspired lunacy.

EiF: Name 3 other comics you would recommend seeing?
TC: From previews I've seen ...Tiernan Douieb has come up with a wonderful show, as have the brilliant Elis James and Nat Luurtsema. And all lovely people to boot.

EiF: Sum up how do you feel about this year's Edinburgh in one word?
TC: Yey?