Words: Claire Smith
Image: Jenny McCarthy

Your Edinburgh show is called ‘No Show’ – what’s that about? Do you have a show or not?

I called it that because my show doesn’t really exist without the audience. I want people to
feel that it is being created on the night with the people who are there. You’re known for playing with the audience – how much of what you do in your shows is spontaneous. It can be between a third and 50 per cent. I get bored very easily and I love thinking on my feet. But there are bits with props which are worked out in advance. I have this bit where I put a cloud on my head and a cloud on the head of someone in the audience. The idea is just to go with whatever the weather wants. It looks very funny. Peter Kay came to see me and he told me he couldn’t tell where the improvisation started.

You’re an Edinburgh staple – do you have people who come to your shows every year?

I’ve been coming since 1996 so there are people that have grown up with me. I now have people bringing their 20-year-old kids into the show. The Edinburgh audience is great. You can just go with it. And they love to join in.

What do you love about the Fringe?

I love the creativity and finding new things. Last year I went to see the cabaret performer
Reuben Kaye who was amazing and there was a woman who performed naked with a popcorn machine on her head. Where else would you see something like that?

How do you pace yourself?

Lots of the new comics don’t drink at all. When people used to drink a lot in Edinburgh they
would all get depressed in Week Three and say they didn’t know why. I go for walks, I have
a bike. After the show is over I like to get on the bike and ride off.

Jason Byrne: NO SHOW
Assembly Hall, Main Hall
20:40
Aug 1-11, 13-18, 20-25