Seaton Smith makes his Edinburgh Fringe debut fresh from Madison Square Garden where he has been touring with John Mulaney. I have caught up with ahead of the Fringe and the chaos that lies ahead.

Is this your first time at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Yes. And I am very excited to do this famed festival. I have heard many great things.

How long have you been preparing your show for Edinburgh?

It’s a collection of ideas for the last few years, and now they are coming together coherently. Excited to get deeper into the material.

What is your motivation to perform there?

I love performing and connecting onstage. I also like working. I want to do a lot of shows, so many to the point where I don’t know if I’m onstage or off.

What have you done to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, emotionally and physically?

I’ve run 45 miles every day in solidarity with my audience. Then I cry in the first porta potty I see, ignoring all the knocks from people need to poop.

Have you had any advice from others who have performed at the Fringe?

Yes, I spoke with Des Bishop and Alex Edleman, and they told me to do all the interviews I can. 

Have you visited Scotland or Edinburgh before?

Yes. I did the Glasgow Comedy Festival in 2015 or 2017. I was amazed that Glasgow looked like Newark, NJ. And that’s a joke for the 6 or 7 people in the world who have been to both Glasgow and Newark.

How have you found booking accommodation?

I saw this cool village in a movie that I wanted to stay in. But then I found out Lord of the Rings was shot in New Zealand. So I got to start over.

What plans do you have for your show after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

World peace. My act is going to save the world. Feed every child. Hug all the lonely. Give free wifi to the disconnected. I will be a man of the people.

Photo credit Mindy Tucker.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/seaton-smith-trauma-bonding

https://edinburghfestival.datathistle.com/event/2650275-seaton-smith-trauma-bonding/