James Adomian’s debut Edinburgh Fringe comedy show ‘Lacking In Character’ will be at the Gilded Balloon – Sportsman for the month of August so we caught up with him to talk about what we can expect. 

James Adomian

James Adomian

Please tell us about your brand of comedy. 

Brand is not a buzzword I would use. My comedy is gay and political, and features a lot of characters and impressions. I can range from dark to exuberantly joyful, like I think everybody should! 

What can audiences expect from your new show?

They can expect a lively and clumsy American trying to explain his country and figure out yours. They can also expect some impressions of American political and media figures that they may be familiar with from popular American podcasts I regularly appear on, like Comedy Bang Bang and Chapo Trap House. I’m going to talk about myself and my real life, and weave these impressions into these stories of my life. It’s a look at the current world stage.

Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?

I’m a big fan of MR SHOW, Kids in the Hall, and the Jerky Boys. I’m a fan of Todd Glass, Andy Kindler and Eddie Pepitone, who I am lucky enough to now work with and be friends with as well. 

What random things make you laugh in everyday life?

I could say Trump, but more honestly what really makes me laugh is the way Trump echoes and ripples in the American news media. Also good for a laugh is ignorant homophobia in small doses.

Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far?

Best moments on stage have been the improvised Trump Vs Bernie back and forth with Anthony Atamanuik that we did on the live tour. For the purposes of this interview, the show in London in July 2016 with Mark Hamill was the best one!

Worst moment on stage was bombing opening for Joan Rivers in front of 3,000 old people. In hindsight, they may have had a point.

Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?

Yes, I get nervous doing gigs and I get nervous doing interviews about gigs.

Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?

I did a brief run of short sets a few years ago and had fun. Fringe brings people together from around the word in a way that no other festival does. It’s a unique pleasure to find out there are people who know about me from the UK and other countries. It’s fun to be able to make new fans! It’s great to see UK comics that I love and find new ones too. So seeing other shows is also part of the fun.

Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?

I always love seeing Daniel Sloss. I love Max & Ivan - they are hilarious. My very good friend Sean Patton is also performing this year, along with other Americans like Andy Daly, and the Reformed Whores. Between the comics I know, and the ones I have yet to see, I am very excited to be able to catch what I can.

What is your advice to aspiring comedians?

Hire me once you’ve made it!

What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?

Actually two years ago at Edinburgh, someone got up and pissed on the stage, which I hope does not happen this time!

What is next for you?

I’m filming the new Christopher Morris film in the Caribbean this summer. So if something happens to me, take it up with Johnny Depp.

James Adomian’s debut Edinburgh Fringe comedy show ‘Lacking In Character’ will be at the Gilded Balloon – Sportsman for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com