As Aaron Wood prepares to come to the Fringe with his debut show this year. I have caught up with him to find out more about What audiences can expect.

Where did the inspiration or ideas come from for your show?

It’s essentially an introduction into who I am and how I got to this point in my life. I’m not the type of comic that focuses on political stand up or anything like that. All of the stories are taken from my daily life and things that have happened around me. It’s all my favourite material since I started 6 years ago.

What do you plan on doing to relax and get some “time out” during the Fringe?

On day one of the Fringe I will optimistically seek out a local gym and I will sign up to it for the month that I am there and then typically go once before deciding that it was a stupid idea and I don’t know who I was kidding.

How do you deal with stage nerves before each performance, if you have them?

I don’t get *that* nervous tbf. If it’s new material or a big gig I haven’t done before then my nerves are definitely higher but that’s more fear of the unknown. In Edinburgh I like to be outside the room as the audience are coming in so I can get an idea of how it will go and I can let on to people and break the awkward first introduction barrier. 

I think a lot of audience members worry they’re going to be aggressively picked on but it’s not my style at all so I like to greet people as they walk in so that they know that. I love chatting to the crowd and having fun unrepeatable moments but often times it’s me that looks dumb!

Where are you staying during the Fringe? Did you find accommodation quite easily?

OH MY GOD, I’M SO GLAD YOU ASKED.

I’ve finally found accommodation that isn’t a complete hovel.

The first time I went up by myself I found a sublet room in a little old ladies flat. She seemed really sweet from speaking to her on email so I decided to go for it.

On arrival I instantly knew she was a little odd. She started telling me how she came to buy the flat. She said when she viewed it she didn’t really like it so turned it down but later that evening witches came to visit her in the night and told her that it was her destiny to die in the flat. Immediately I thought ‘ahh… mine too, I bet’.

She was completely insane. One night I came home at around 3am after drinking with friends to find her stood in the hallway in the dark. I put a light on, asked if she was okay and she just smiled at me and slowly walked back into her room with eyes on me the whole time. It was like something out of a horror movie.

I remember genuinely being worried she might kill me but hey it was a steal. I stayed again the next year!

What obstacles have you faced preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe this year?

The people in a cafe bar in Hull. I did a preview there and I hate them all. You know who you are.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Last year I got to open for huge Australian comic Luke Kidgell on a string of his UK dates. I got to do the biggest shows I’ve done at around 1000 seats and it definitely felt like a big moment.

I also met Gerard Butler at the Fringe last year and discovered I’m taller than him. My girlfriend fancies him so I was pretty happy about that.

Why did you decide to go with the Venue you are using?

It has air con.

Best & worst thing about performing?

Best – When you’re 20 minutes into a show and the crowd are dead fun, there’s in jokes only for that room and everyone is a part of something that won’t really be repeated.

Worst – I now have favourite and least favourite service stations. It’s completely pathetic but I refuse to step foot in Frankley Northbound. Dreadful gaff.

In one sentence why should someone come to see your show?

Because I’ve genuinely developed a concerning addiction to Cadbury’s Mini Rolls. I need money so that it doesn’t become something that affects my life.

Name one other show that you plan on seeing at the Fringe?

Alex Kitson: This Is Water. 9pm every day. Hoots @ Potterow.

Where are you taking your show next?

I’m going on tour in September & October.

Come along. Please. I need this.

aaronwoodcomedy.com

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/aaron-wood-more-to-life

https://www.instagram.com/aaronwoodcomedy/?hl=en

Aaron Wood.

Show Title, time and Venue. Aaron Wood: More To Life. 4:50pm 1-25th (not 12th) Hoots @ The Apex Grassmarke