Marcel Lucont has that certain je ne sais quoi that makes him one of the greatest raconteurs appearing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Keen to get to know him better, we plied him with absinthe and persuaded him to answer our 10 Quick Questions...
Pitch your Edinburgh show in 25 words or less.
Outstanding.
Your best Edinburgh moment?
The moment when - on arriving for my first Edinburgh Fringe - I realised that much French cuisine is in fact available in a city notorious for its contribution to the unfathomable genre of 'crunchy meat'.
And your worst?
Having to translate my first show entirely into English after a difficult opening night. At the world's largest arts festival, one expects a certain level of culture. I was initially disappointed by this, but now just see it as de rigueur. And no, I shall not translate that for you.
You've got one hour free in Edinburgh - what do you do?
Stroll, observe, smoke, write. A flâneur's work is never complete.
Which Edinburgh landmark/venue/place would you give a five star review to?
Five-star ratings must not be thrown around so freely. They will only belittle my own.
Give us a secret Edinburgh tip!
If you find yourself sleeping with a street performer, remember always to drop a coin or two into their hat as you leave. They are irascible at the best of times, and often have easy access to knives and/or fire.
Deep-fried haggis or deep-fried Mars bar?
In what situation? You must be more specific please with your questions. It is evident that neither one holds any culinary value, so if this is the context, I choose starvation. If I find myself in a situation where these are the sole options, I will feel my life has taken an extremely wrong turn.
Kilt or trousers?
For me, trousers every time. I wish to be accessible to women - but not that accessible.
Arthur's Seat or Arthur Smith?
I have certainly attempted to climb one of those after a bad bottle of absinthe. I do not recall which one.
Complete this sentence: “In Edinburgh, I will be mainly...
...outstanding."
Marcel Lucont's showGallic Symbol is at 22.25 at Underbelly, Cowgate, 1-26 August. Find out more and book tickets here.
