Felicity Ward: The Hedgehog Dilemma

So then, tell us about your show?
It's based on The Hedgehog's Dilemma: a psychological premise used by Freud whereby in winter, hedgehogs can either cuddle up to each other at the risk of hurting themselves and others on their spikes, or they can stay by themselves, without hurting anyone or being hurt, but they could be cold and alone. And it's analogy for human intimacy. SOUNDS LIKE ONE HELL OF A COMEDY SHOW HUH!? So yeah, imagine that really depressing concept I just told you, but told through the miracle of jokes.

How have your previews been going?
UK previews won't start until I land on your fine shores. For the sake of brevity, let's just say the previews have been described as, "undeniably the greatest show ever written."*

*Remember that comedy is subjective and no one has actually described this show thusly.

How are you going to keep it fresh for the full three weeks?
In the early 90s hip-hop context of "fresh"? In that case, I will probably break into Young MC's Bust A Move mid-show, every third or fourth day, never reference it, and then feed off the bemusement of the audience.

Is it ultimately worth coming to the Fringe?
Yes. Otherwise I'm making the same mistake, for the third time.

Do you have a guaranteed, surefire flyering technique?
I just know what not to do: the second year I was there, I saw a drenched dude holding a stack of flyers (read: all of his life savings), thrusting one at a stranger, calling out, at increasing volume: "Take a flyer ma'am. Take a FLYER ma'am. TAKE A FLYER MA'AM! IT'S NOT JUST A FLYER, IT'S MY DIGNITY!"

What's your health regime for the Fringe?
In the first week I start off with an optimistic vow of swimming 3 times a week, home cooked meal 5/7 nights, meditation morning and evening. By week three I am laughing at my pool membership, eating sausage roll flavoured ice cream from Greggs with my hands, catching a taxi to the end of the street, and swapping "meditation" for "crying."

What's the worst mistake people make at the Fringe?
Combining high heels, alcohol and Edinburgh's cobbled streets.

Do you pay your taxes?
I actually did have a Jimmy Carr-like experience a few years back. But instead of 'off-shore investments' I had a 'nervous breakdown' and somehow tax contributions were relegated on my list of priorities.

What was your favourite joke when you were a kid?
Asking Mum if Daddy were ever coming home... I'm kidding! I never called him Daddy. I called him Michael.

Who else are you hoping to see while you're in Edinburgh?
Hot Dub Time Machine (Best dance floor action you will find at the Fringe). Anne Edmonds (Funny mo-fo from across the pond). Celia Pacquola. The Horne Section. Heath Franklin's Chopper. Sammy J & Randy. Sarah Millican. THERE'S TOO MANY.