Please tell us about your brand of comedy- what can audiences expect?
Phil Nichol by Steve Ullathorne
My style is silly, laugh out loud, slightly puerile but never offensive surreal ramblings and tall tales.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence?
I was influenced heavily by my mother who was a font of laughter and fun. She was always making jokes and made life ridiculously fun. Professional comedians that made me laugh were Billy Connelly and a newer Scottish comedian Phil Kay.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
I laugh at the way people interact. We live in such a fast paced and hectic life that I think sometimes we forget that others are even real. The world has become a bit of a game for some people. I enjoy watching them play the game (usually quite badly)
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
Best moment was winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award however anytime I can help people laugh at themselves I get a rush. I've had some bad moments due to drunken hecklers but overall I'm at home on stage and it's all good.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
Absolutely! That is part of the fun. The adrenaline rush just before you get introduced is exceptionally thrilling.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
It's a fantastic meeting of all these amazingly creative minds. Laughs are shared and ideas with them. The audiences are culture vultures who get to sample a smorgasbord of comedy. As comedy has such a variety of tastes is certainly a great place to taste test all the different types of humour.
Who are you looking forward to seeing as an audience member?
I'm really looking forward to seeing the brilliant Kirsty Newton, ridiculously funny Addy Van De Borgh, inimitable Pat Monahan and the absolutely hilarious American character comedian Lucie Pohl.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
Never give up, enjoy every moment and always see the funny side of life.
What is the oddest heckle you ' ve ever received?
I was standing on top of someone with my guitar singing at the top of my lungs and in a moment of silence someone quietly said 'Show off!' This cracked me up!
What is next for you?
I'm releasing a music album entitled Ethel's Little Ditties in July and then onto the festival. In the autumn I'll be releasing a new rock album with my space glam rock band Muscle. Go to www.muscletheband.com for a preview!
Phil Nichol ' s new stand up show 'Twenty ' will be at the Assembly Checkpoint for August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe