A Wee Blether with comedian Daniel Sloss
The Scottish comedian has returned from sell-out tours of Australia and the USA
The only item that you’ll find on my bucket list is – don’t die!
A Wee Blether With…
What was your parents’ reaction to you becoming a professional comedian?
It was all my Mum’s idea! My parents have always been supportive of my comedy ambitions. I started doing stand-up when I was in fifth year at Waid Academy in Anstruther and my mum used to sign me up for gigs all over the place. My parents drove me to stand-up shows from our home in East Wemyss – and on the return journey, she would inevitably tell me I was too rude!
When did you decide to fully embrace comedy?
In 2007, when I was 17, I made it to the finals of So You Think You’re Funny at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Mum suggested that, rather than go to Dundee University to study history, I take a gap year and try giving comedy my all. My Mum’s great!
What’s been the highlight of your first 10 years as a stand-up comedian?
The fact that I’m still doing it! I never expected my comedy career to go as well or to take me to such amazing places. I played the Sydney Opera House on my latest Australian tour and Mum said, “Surely that’s an item from your bucket list?” But the only item on my bucket list is, Don’t die! I want to be comedian for a long time.
Where’s your favourite place for a gig?
Eastern Europe. Estonia, Lithuania and Bulgaria are amazing, with phenomenal audiences. Australia is always great, and Glasgow’s also excellent as the audiences are mental – in a good way. Just don’t ask me to go back to Kilmarnock! It’s always good to do a homecoming gig at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy. When I was about 11, I actually appeared in plays and musicals there.
What are your plans for this summer?
After being on tour for so long, I’m enjoying doing nothing other than catching up with family and friends. My best friend Kai Humphries, who’s also a comedian, is getting married in September so I have his stag do in July. Then it’s time for my 10th year at the Fringe. The Scots are incredibly supportive of their own people and I always have great runs at the Fringe, with sell-out crowds.
What do you get up to at the Fringe when you’re not performing?
I’m a party animal! It’s impossible not to be. When I get off stage, regardless of how tired I am, the adrenalin is going and I just want to go out. In the first week, I see a few shows, but then I hang out in the bars with mates.
What’s next?
I want to become one of the best comics in the world, so lots more stand-up comedy, tours, TV shows and writing. I’m incredibly glad I listened to my
Mum and didn’t go to university!
During the Fringe, Daniel Sloss is at the EICC from August 2-26 (apart from August 13 & 20) www.pleasance.co.uk/ event/daniel-slossx#overview / http:// danielsloss. com.