The Ginge, The Geordie & The Geek

So then, tell us about your show?
It's a brand new hour of truly uplifting silliness. Like every year it's a show for everyone. It's sketch comedy that the family, lads/ladettes, and royalty can all watch – even the Queen! It's great fun with a surreal twist and as always our aim is to entertain and make people laugh, not to make some sort of statement.

How have your previews been going?
Really well. Recently we did a preview where we had a young guy come up after to say it was brilliant, followed by two female pensioners asking 'can we be groupies?' so that was great to hear. We're determined to keep working hard and making it better though, as a lot of people think sketch can be hit and miss. We don't want any misses.

What is your motto when writing sketches?
It's got to be funny and accessible for everyone, and you've got to know when to end it.

What makes a good sketch?
Something that's instantly recognisable, original, surprising and of course, funny for all!

How are you going to keep it fresh for the full three weeks?
Well, while building our reputation and shows over the last few years, the Ginge has sold dog food at a freezing market, the Geordie has packed baby clothes in an underground stockroom, and the Geek has had sewage dumped on him whilst fixing a drain, so keeping it fresh is easy as we thoroughly enjoy performing to the great Edinburgh audiences.

Is it ultimately worth coming to the Fringe?
Definitely. The experience is fantastic with so many brilliant performers and things going on. And of course we got a pilot show with the BBC, so it was definitely worth it.

Do you have a guaranteed, surefire flyering technique?
Not really, we just market like crazy; flyer, poster, and promote everywhere, but always respect other shows and performers.

You have put your successful 2011 Fringe run down to word of mouth. Is that really the most powerful way of getting your name heard?
You can't beat people on the street talking about your show. We have always wanted our show to be appreciated by all and not exclusive in any way, and I think when you have a family of several generations talking about you that's the best publicity in the world.

What's your health regime for the Fringe?
Ginge: Guinness, baked tatties with haggis and coleslaw.
Geordie: Lambrini and falafel wraps.
Geek: Berocca and eggs.

What's the worst mistake people make at the Fringe?
Berocca and eggs... no really, it would be not buying a waterproof. Damn you rain!

Last year's Fringe was all about the London riots. What major news event do you think will force you to hurriedly rewrite your 2012 show?
An alien invasion may make us change a few punch lines.

What was your favourite joke when you were a kid?
Q: Why did the baker have brown fingers?
A: Because he needed a poo.

Can you tell me something I might not know about each of you?
The Ginge won his school talent show contest as member of a boyband when he was 17.
The Geordie shaves his feet as he thinks they are perfect.
The Geek enjoys making lemon curd.

Why will 2012 be the best year yet?
So far it's been amazing as we filmed a BBC pilot in March which has had great feedback with a view to a possible series. If that happened then it would be the best year ever, easy!

Who else are you hoping to see while you're in Edinburgh?
Des Clarke, Vikki Stone and Spank.