Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Leo Reich on his dream come true touring with Simon Amstell

Stand-up Leo Reich makes his Edinburgh Fringe debut this summer fresh off the back of supporting Simon Amstell on his UK tour.

In Literally Who Cares?!, Reich promises to “push the very boundaries of what is considered ‘funny and good comedy.'”

Here, he answers our questions ahead of the festival kicking off…

How are you feeling ahead of your debut Fringe show?

I’m feeling funny baby!

What is your show all about, and what inspired it?

The show is about gen-z narcissism, and it was inspired by taking a long, hard and longing look in the mirror.

What can audiences expect when coming along to see your show?

Hilarious jokes, catchy songs and humourless introspection.

You’ve recently supported Simon Amstell on his UK tour, what was that experience like?

A total dream come true — Simon is the funniest, kindest and thinnest person in the world. I’ve been his biggest fan since I was thirteen so the whole time I felt like a competition winner.

What put you on the path to a career in comedy?

Genuinely, seeing Simon Amstell’s show Do Nothing — still my favourite stand up show of all time. But on a deeper level probably a socially ingrained desperation to please.

If you had to pick one item that’s essential for surviving a month at the Fringe, what would that be?

Beer.

What do you think it is about the Edinburgh Fringe that attracts people from all around the world to come to watch and also to perform?

As a performer there’s nowhere else you get the opportunity to spend your life savings for the opportunity to perform every day to four drunk men with hate in their eyes. As a punter there’s nowhere else where, in just one day, you can see up to fourteen university acapella groups needlessly humiliate themselves in public.

If you were in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?

Make sure the profits from the festival genuinely went to the people who make the fringe so special: corporate landlords.

What is your favourite one-liner?

“Do not punish yourself! You deprive the world of its purpose.” — Simon Munnery