The delightfully off-beat comedian Ali Brice is bringing his signature chaotic, heartfelt silliness to Hoots with a new show designed to make audiences smile without even realizing it. Ahead of the run, we sat down with the acclaimed comic to discuss his risk-taking style and the art of finding genuine joy in the absurd.

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Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?

My show is funny. That was my aim when I started comedy. Then I got a bit sidetracked trying to be clever or interesting or weird. So, back to basics. Just funny.

I turned 40 this year and while the show isn’t about that, it absolutely is. It’s a reflection on my life, my choices and how I am within myself. I’ve told friends some stories and they say I’m odd.

There’s a little bit about brushing my teeth and a lot of crowdwork. Two of my favourite things.

Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?

I am the creative team. With conversations and guidance from Adam ‘The Business’ Larter, Beth Story and Jonny Freeeman. And all the audience members I have spoken to this year.

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How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?

Equal parts dread and excitement. And that’s how I like it. The great thing about turning 40 is the perspective it’s given me. I have lived long enough to witness death, divorce, disease and other awful things. Comedy is fun. Fun is enough. Let’s have a good time.

With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?

The crowd make my show. Often the funniest person in my show is in the audience. I just have to find them.

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Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?

There’s a trend in comedy at the moment for comedians to upload clips of crowdwork to social media as an advert for their shows. Because it doesn’t reveal their material.

For me, the best thing about crowdwork is that it lives and dies in the moment and is never repeated. It’s a special experience for the people in the room.

I never record my shows to put them online. The shows will never be repeated and will never be the same. I like that.

Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?

My comedy hero came to watch my show last year and I had an absolute meltdown and referenced them throughout. I hope none of my heroes ever come to watch me ever again.

I just want fun, open-minded, friendly people in my crowd. That will do just fine.

It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?

I plan to see Adam Larter’s ‘Can You Put A Tail On It’ which is back for the 15th consecutive year. He’s also doing ‘Who Remembers the ‘90s?’ which is a new show that won’t win any comedy awards, but will make you cry.

I will also see a lot of people I have never heard of as well as my favourites, which include: Michael Brunström, Charlie Vero Martin, Eleanor Morton, Katie Pritchard, Sean Morley, Mark Silcox, Rob Duncan and Mark Dean Quinn.

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Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’