Markus Birdman: Love, Life & Death

You had the most memorable press releases this year, which came with what I can only describe as a suicide kit [some pills, booze and a toetag]. Thanks. Also: what the fuck?

Excellent, I'm pleased to hear it stood out! I think for some people I sent it to, it was a hint! (But not you lovely people at the Skinny). But on the contrary, it's a celebratory, if slightly dark kit. The show has a large element about Death, and I've been looking at lots of the Mexican Dias de los Muertos imagery. But that is not a morbid thing, it's a celebration of Life, recognising death is a part of it, and that's kind of a theme.

Moving on, give us an idea of what the show will be like?

Well it starts off where I left it with last year's show, talking about the stroke I had at the age of 40. I expand on that theme, and how that's made me feel about things.

Death is a weighty topic which some punters might find off-putting. How would you convince that type of person to see your show?

Of course it is, and should be. But I find it is a little too taboo and we are more afraid of it because it's swept under the carpet. But since my experience left me feeling pretty blooming glad to be alive, it's far more a joyful, celebratory affair and most certainly not a misery fest. Hence the Love and Life in the title!

Life and death are inevitable for everyone; but what about love? What's the minimum amount of love people should have in their life?

God, I don't know! I've been very lucky and had a lot from many people. That sounds like pimp styling! You need as much love as you can get I think. I suppose it doesn't matter where it comes from, but you need to feel loved. And of course you need to love others too. Very healthy!

You seem to give an awful lot of yourself in every Fringe show. How do you end up feeling when it's all over?

I surf in on a wave of optimism and limp out broken. I do try to be as honest and open and as generous as possible with how I feel. I don't know how fashionable that is however!

What was your favourite joke when you were a kid?

I was too busy learning Latin and passages from the Bible.

And finally, who else are you hoping to see in Edinburgh?

I have tickets to see Suggs, which I'm very excited about. Madness were a massive part of my musical landscape. One Step Beyond was the first album I bought at the age of 8! So it wasn't all Latin and Bible I guess!