7 Questions with David Ian
Photo: Steve Ullathorne
What’s your show about?
So when I was 18 after I lost my virginity I got a death threat, which was kinda dramatic, and it made me think ok if being gay is going to be this difficult then I'm going to have to literally be the best gay possible - so I ended up trying to be the perfect gay all the time. So this show is an investigation of if I have managed it, I've run the science and I'm working out if I am. I measure myself against Cher because she is obviously the perfect gay man. It's silly and daft but its so fun.
What’s the edgiest topic in your show?
I think death threats after sex are pretty edgy. But then I think shoehorning Cher into every part of the show also brings an edge to it...
Who are you comedy heroes?
Matteo Lane, Joan Rivers and Michelle Wolf.
What excites you about the Edinburgh Fringe?
Getting to spend a month performing every night is such a huge opportunity to really explore the show, thrive with different audiences and generally immerse myself in comedy, so I'm really looking forward to that. I'm absolutely thrilled to be spending a month with my comedy mates as well, it's not often that you get to spend that much time together!
What scares you about the Edinburgh Fringe?
Near enough everything. The competition for an audiences is terrifying to be honest. The pressure of performing every single day as well seems both exciting and terrifying. I think that feeling you get where everyone else knows what they're doing and you don't - that doesn't feel fun.
If you could wave a magic wand and revolutionise the Fringe, what would it be like?
I assume everyone says reduce the costs associated with it all, that's a given at this point I think. So I'd say I'd make it so it was sunny every single day. Flyering in the rain is not fun.
Who’s show would you recommend and why?
Kate Dale: Up To Scratch because it is funny and charming. It talks about the joy of being invisible as a woman in your 50s while discovering you're bisexual, it's pretty interesting.
David Ian’s debut stand up show (Just a) Perfect Gay is at Just The Tonic @ The Caves - Just Upstairs at 9.05pm from 3rd – 27th August (not 14th) for tickets go tohttps://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/david-ian-just-a-perfect-gay