Jarlath Regan: The Audacity Of Hope And The Inspirational Stupidity Of Perseverance

What is your show about this year?
The funniest things happen when you're in the worst situations. The whole show revolves around that idea. I got lucky this year and a few stories just happened to me and they are the pillars of the show. It's not a real moralistic thing but not giving up is a big part of the whole set.

What's your health regime for the Fringe?
Two years ago I went running every day, did some cross training and played basketball. Last year I was in a bit of turmoil so I drank as much as my body would allow. I don't know what it will be like this year. Probably somewhere in between.

What's the worst mistake people make at the Fringe?
I think the worst thing you can do is to try not to make mistakes. You have to let yourself fuck up, make mistakes and be foolish. If you're going to shows you need to go see some riskier things you know nothing about. As a performer making a balls of it is the only way to get better.

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?
The obvious answer is the Olympics but to be honest, the general goings on at the festival make me rewrite the show. If it's shite weather, if there's a fiasco about something like tickets or the trams – you have to make an effort to include it, particularly if you're a doing an observation-based show like mine. If Ireland's economy suddenly comes back to life, that will get a mention.

Do you pay your taxes?
I'm so bad at maths that I am pretty sure I have overpaid my taxes for the past 10 years.

What was your favourite joke when you were a kid?
I loved the series of Paddy Irishman jokes that were big in the 1980s. Sadly I didn't realise that my countrymen were the butt of those jokes and told them as a party piece until the age of 12.

Who else are you hoping to see while you're in Edinburgh?
A Betrayal of Penguins, Eleanor Tiernan, Sammy J and, of course Nick Helm.