20 questions: Norman Lovett

1983

What’s been the biggest change since then?

Tons more comedy shows

What one thing could make the Fringe better?

No Tattoo

There’s nothing more boring than other people’s slides, is there?

You obviously haven't seen my slide show

What do you think makes the perfect picture?

I find it difficult to put into words, it's an instinctive thing and then you've got to make a decent picture that is easy to talk about. I don't know really, I just like doing it.

Do people recognise you in the street – and do you mind?

Occasionally, I enjoy it most of the time.

The Red Dwarf movie. Is it ever going to happen?

There's a piece on my website about this on the latest page at www.normanlovett.co.uk.

How’s your daughter’s comedy career going?

Kitty is at the Italia Conti school now and doing very well while Lily is studying hard for A levels. They both fit in dancing and castings when possible.

What’s you favourite ever Edinburgh festival experience?

Meeting my wife (Fiona) at the Gilded Balloon many years ago.

And your worst?

I have to say that I haven't really had one during festival time.

When you lived in Edinburgh, did you love or hate the festival coming to town?

It felt strange at first and I could see why some people didn't like it but after a while I got used to it.

What one bit of advice would you give to someone visiting the festival?

Make sure you buy a ticket to see my show.

.Where’s your favourite place to eat in Edinburgh?

Hendersons is good and healthy but so busy. There's this noodle place near the university but I can't remember what it's called.

And to drink?

I stopped drinking years ago.

Where do you go to escape the festival?

See a film in Glasgow

What’s your view on comedy awards like the if.comeddie?

I don't know about all these awards, I'm not sure what they mean, you're as good as your last gig.

What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said about you in comedy?

Some cross-eyed bitch from the Daily Mail was very rude about me and my TV series I, Lovett

What one piece of advice would you give to a young comedian?

You've got to find what is right for you and it doesn't happen overnight.

What makes you laugh?

Stewart Lee today and from the past WC Fields, Laurel & Hardy, Woody Allen, Tommy Cooper, Joan Rivers

Apart from your own, what other show would you recommemd?

I don't know but I was told that I would like Josie Long so I want to see her.

• Norman Lovett's Slide Show is at the Pleasance at 17:25.