Classic Interview: Phil Nichol – 2017
Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Returns To The Fringe This Year
Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and critically acclaimed comedian Phil Nichol has announced a brand-new stand-up show for this year’s Edinburgh Festival 2026 entitled ‘Aren’t We Lucky’, his first new show in seven years. ‘Aren’t We Lucky’ will premiere at the Gilded Balloon Teviot Lounge in August.
In addition, Phil will also be bringing back his Edinburgh Comedy Award winning show ‘The Naked Racist’ to the Gilded Balloon Teviot Wine Bar for 14 nights only to celebrate its 20th anniversary since his win.
He will also be appearing in the must see play of the Fringe, ‘Eleven and a Half Angry Men’. a spoof of ‘12 Angry Men’ (in which he co-starred with Bill Bailey in the original critically acclaimed production).
Below is Phil’s revealing Rarely Asked Questions interview which ran on Beyond The Joke in 2017. For all of Phil’s upcoming activities go to his website here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren’t sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
I force myself to smile (sometimes until it hurts) and remind myself how lucky I am to be where I am and about to do what I’m about to do. There are not many others things that I’d rather be doing.
What irritates you?
Being asked how much money I earn when I am in a constant struggle to tell myself that I’m not in it for the money.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I foolishly picked a fight with an ex Royal Marine whilst alone on a diving holiday in Thailand. He punched me out…you get what you give.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
I’ve become great friends with an ex Royal Marine that punched me out whilst alone on a diving holiday in Thailand. What a lovely man and inspiration to many.
What has surprised you the most during you career in comedy?
That I’m still here, still working, still enjoying it, still laughing and still finding room for improvement.
What do your parents think of your job?
As devout born again Christians, I think they have struggled to see the value of my puerile behaviour. As parents, they love me unconditionally and support my life if not my lifestyle.
As Glaswegians, I think they find it highly amusing.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Being a joker is simply the best. However, the feeling that you can’t be seen to take yourself too seriously has long term negative psychological impact and has left me emotional deficient and severely scarred. But so what? You got a problem with me? Do ya? What with all the personal questions? Jeez, why don’t you lay off?! Do you want some?!!!!
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
It’s best not to dwell on it. Love/loathe dynamic.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Ummmmm….are you not listening?
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
‘I’m the luckiest guy on the lower east side ‘cause I‘ve got wheels and you wanna go for a ride…’
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
Alan Davies self harms with golf clubs. It’s not pretty. Don’t mention the back nine.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
I’m a big fan of Bacchus, the god of grape harvest, wine-making, ritual madness and religious ecstasy. Not so much the blood sacrifices but you get what you give. The carefree nature of his personality lent itself to a type of hedonism that laid the foundations for Greek theatre and in turn comedy. I’m a fundamental hedonist.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it’s to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
I don’t have drawers. I stack my clothes beside my bed and wear what is clean.
To read more classic interviews and get weekly news etc in your inbox please subscribe below.