Photo: www.idilsukan.com

Out of all of the shows seen by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe judging panel in 2011, Adam Riches’ breathtakingly funny sixty minutes came out on top. A mix of character comedy, anarchic stagecraft and a fearless level of audience engagement, Run Riot caught up with Adam before his run at the Soho Theatre.

RR: Masochist or sadist - which are you?
AR: Oh, Masochist, without a doubt. I can only but dream to hit those dizzy heights of Sadism. I shout, I sweat, I scamper everywhere in the show for almost an hour and only a confirmed tit would put himself through that every night for five weeks. Some might argue that some of the stunts the audience partake in throughout the show would elevate me to the ranks of Sadist, but I'm not in the business of being swayed by such idle flattery.

RR: Your show has won you the UK's most prestigious prize in comedy, the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award. Has it opened doors?
AR: Doors have definitely been opened yes, but if anyone has the skillset, talent and charm to have them slammed back in his face again, it's me. The Award gets you attention for sure, but it's what you do with that attention that keeps you in the game. I'm betting these dice on bringing down the house long-term and that takes the same discipline as if you'd won nothing. Sit back down at your computer and write something better.

RR: With your show opening on Valentines week - would you recommend it to those seeking a surge of endorphins?
AR: There's many a live show in Soho where you can sit down (or lean) to experience the dark art of titilation, but few come with as many men dressed up as Lizards and a one regurgitated drink minimum. So lovers should come reaching for the stars. I'm sure we'll have a moon for you somewhere onstage to catch your fall.

RR: Talent agent, swing-ball, water-pistols - the show has great opportunity for participation! Who is your ideal audience?
AR: The show thrives on energy, pure and simple. Both the energy I dispense onstage through the characters and the atmosphere that creates amongst the audience, so anyone that enjoys some heart-on-sleeve silliness and some organised chaos will hopefully get a lot out of it. It was designed as an experience, to include, to involve and to entertain and I think an audience tanked up on half a pint of what-the-hell with a laissez-faire chaser would be ideal.

RR: If you were to Protest, what cause would you chose?
AR: The one that combats this faux serious question getting snuck in under the radar. Did you not read the previous answers? I dress men up as lizards. Let Clooney handle the rhetoric, I'm Daniel Day Lewis!
 
RR: Being the multi-talented writer, director and performer - what advise would you offer the aspiring comedian?
AR: Write, rewrite, perform and hone. Never put the pen down, never think it can't be better. Think long term, not short term and always see whatever it is you are working on to the end. Even if how you finish it is crap and third rate, it doesn't matter. When you revisit it your brain will benefit from having a complete picture to work on and your judgement will be stronger on the redraft.
 
RR: Where's your favorite 'after-show', late night haunt in London?
AR: Back home on the sofa with my girlfriend and her chinchilla watching a boxset. Or Spearmint Rhino.
 
RR: What would you like your audience to walk away with after your show?
AR: A limp. Always a limp. Mild concussion, a communicative disease here and there, yes. But realistically, you have to feel an element of pride when your comedy has caused untold bruising and swelling, don't you? I mean if not, what the hell are we all doing here?

Adam Riches: Bring Me The Head of Adam Riches
Mon 13 February - Sat 17 March, 7.30pm
Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
http://sohotheatre.com/whats-on/adam-riches