Please tell us about your brand of comedy- what can audiences expect?
Yianni
My usual stand-up is a combination of silly exaggerated examples about relationships, love and how deep down, humans are illogical and crazy.
My show this year is called The Simpsons taught me everything I know, so audiences can expect lots of stories, fun facts, impersonations and examples of how it's applicable to every area of life.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence?
Eddie Izzard initially and Bill Burr recently. I love Eddie's creativity and Bill Burr's vitriol.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
Human naiveté that I've realised looking back on my younger self. For example, when we were twenty, my friend Emma and I agreed if we weren't married by thirty then we'd marry each other. We only did it because we thought it was so unlikely, which is hilarious to unmarried me at age 38.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
Best - I booked and tried to sell out the largest venue in Edinburgh for my show 'Think Big' which was about ambition. I didn't fill all 1200 seats, but 400 people came just to see me and that was a great gig.
Worst - Getting heckled off stage in Newcastle in 2005. It was a rowdy gig and I was too inexperienced to deal with it. I spent the next 24 hours angrily planning what to do if it happened the next night. Of course, the next night was absolutely lovely.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
I've done over 2000 gigs now so I don't get nervous like I did when I started. I still get a rush of adrenaline leading up to going on stage though. Once you don't get that, it's probably time to quit!
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
Because you can improve no end. I come from Australia, where you do 7 gigs in an average month. In Edinburgh you can do that in a day! It's like comparing students who go to school once with those who go five days a week.
Who are you looking forward to seeing as an audience member?
From an aspirational point of view, someone who loves what I do and has the sway to help bring it to a larger audience. From a purist point of view, just Simpsons fans who'll appreciate my show. Or did you mean which show am I looking forward to seeing? Bill Burr!
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
As adults, we've had the world explained to us and to an extent accepted it. Humour lies in questioning those explanations and, when they're ridiculous, pointing that out. So my advice is to try to see the world the way a child sees it, like you're seeing it for the first time and asking "Why?" about everything.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
"My sandwich is funnier than you!" and "Auction your T-Shirt!"
What is next for you?
I'm going to save this Word document, go to bed and see if it's still funny in the morning. Goodnight.
Yianni - The Simpsons Taught Me Everything I Know- http://bit.ly/2aupNgI
Voodoo Rooms
13:30 (14:25) 6th - 28th (Not 15)
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe