Russell Hicks brings 'Love Song for the Viciously Ambitious' to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
Well, Wilma. My performance back ground goes all the way back to a state fair in the United States where I performed comedy at the age of thirteen years. After bombing for an excruciating amount of time, I gave it up for another thirteen years. Then, I started doing stand up at a club in San Diego, blah, blah, blah, I end up in Britain having a cup of coffee with you.

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
Wilma, I tell you what – the whole thing is improvised [Wilma spits her tea all over my face]. Yes, Wilma believe it. I just go up and let whatever happens happen….and also this year I try to make some point about how I think business and personal branding are eroding the souls of the youth.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
Sometimes I feel like I have been preparing my whole life for this show….also, people in 2018 need to remember that there is more out there than what is being shoveled into your brain stems by conglomerates who own every medium, everywhere, all the time.

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
Personally, I don’t drink so think that helps me get through it with ease. People always told me how hard it was and I only realized later that they said that because they are raging alcoholics who go on a twenty four day bender with some breaks for comedy. have fun, see everything and stick to the afternoons. The late night stuff is a bore.

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
Most embarrassing? Wow, do you know that I have never been embarrassed up there? Weird, because on paper you would think I would have been. The funniest thing that ever happened? It’s all a blur….
Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
I like people like Johnny Vegas and Phil Kay. Anyone who is known just for taking it to the limit. I don’t think I will ever be or want to be the comic who is known for that great routine about (insert house hold item).

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
COFFEE. Lots of it.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
I still don’t have a brochure! So, I don’t know, but I do like to see anyone who is doing something totally different to me. I am extremely well up to date with who’s hot Wilma. Believe that. I saw TapeFace last year and pretty much thought, ‘dear God, how is that even a thing?’ it was such a ‘show’ you know what I mean. it made me laugh the next night when was skating around on a stool for a closer. I love my act.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
Ah, that’s really not the kind of guy I am Wilma. They don’t have to come if they don’t want. But my door is always open for those who are up to take a trip…..

See Russell Hicks: Love Song for the Viciously Ambitious at Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1st – 26th August.

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