Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Luke Kempner: ‘Live comedy is the best and the Edinburgh festival should be accessible to all’

There’s been a murder… and comedian, impressionist and podcaster Luke Kempner has a host of celebrity detectives on hand to help solve it.

In his latest Edinburgh Fringe show, Gritty Police Drama: A One-Man Musical, he takes on 60 impressions over 60 minutes in a dramatic story inspired by Happy Valley, Line of Duty and Luther.

A big year for Luke has seen him voice a number of puppets ranging from King Charles, to Jurgen Klopp for Spitting Image live in London and also on the TV series.

Did you enjoy your festival experience last year?

I did! We had some challenges with bins not being emptied. Also with it being the first year after Covid it felt like audiences were still easing their way back into the festival.

I did a stand-up show last year with a mixture of songs, stand-up and sketches. I’m going back to a full character/impressions show this year and I can’t wait.

What is your show about, and what inspired it?

It’s called Gritty Police Drama, the one-man musical and it’s inspired by shows like Happy Valley, Line Of Duty and Luther. 60 minutes, 60 Impressions, one murder.

As much as there is a smattering of characters from the above popular shows, the Gritty Police Drama world I have created is populated by a star-studied cast from a variety of genres. DI Sir Ian McKellen, DI Louis Theroux, Prison Office Mary Berry, Dr Ant and Dr Dec. To name a few.

The musical side of it is my own reimagining of lyrics from well known songs from the West End. It’s a jam packed show and I love performing it.

Which TV detective would make the best comedian?

Definitely Catherine Cawood from Happy Valley, her no-nonsense northern disdain for people is delicious and really makes me laugh.

How did you find your talent for impressions?

It was from when I was at school doing impressions of teachers and making my school mates laugh. Then doing impressions of TV shows.

What are your favourite memories from the festival?

My best memory was last year. Alan Davies came to see my show. He is a hero of mine. The first stand-up I ever watched on video and he sent me a message to say he really enjoyed my show. Still doesn’t feel real.

Your sister Sooz is also in comedy – what’s it like having a sibling also in the industry?

Tough, for my mum. It’s great. She is super talented and such a gifted writer. I wish I had her writing skills.

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

I would make the posters cheaper! Accommodation cheaper. All money stuff. I’m fortunate I come up with a producer so they foot the bill for me in advance and then we sort it out with how many tickets I sell.

I grew up with not much money, as did my sister, and certainly not many opportunities to get on to the professional ladder. Well, apart from Oliver the amateur dramatics production in 2001.

Edinburgh always felt like the only way. I don’t believe that to be the case but you don’t want every comedian to just make online sketches. Live comedy is the best and the Edinburgh festival should be accessible to all.

How would you describe how you feel when your walk on music hits and you take a step out onto the stage?

I relax. I hate the five minutes before as the crowd are coming in. Hearing them talk makes me anxious but as soon as I step on stage, I love it!!

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?

Louise Young, Rob Auton, John Robins and Egg!

Who’d be your dream…

Podcast co-host / guest

Steve Coogan

Karaoke duetter

Sooz Kempner

Wrestling tag team partner

Iain Stirling, he’s just always had my back

Comedian to split an hour with

John Kearns. Not sure I’d want to follow him. Also people would be way more excited to see him. Actually maybe not John.

Luke Kempner brings his brand new show, ‘Gritty Police Drama: A One-Man Musical’, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2nd – 28th August (5.30pm) at Pleasance Courtyard, Upstairs. For tickets and more info, visit www.lukekempner.com