Will Duggan is a comedian and podcaster. He co-hosts the National Treasures podcast with Laura Lexx. As a stand-up he’s supported the likes of Shaparak Khorsandi, John Bishop, and Sofie Hagen. Fresh from a sell-out run at the Fringe in 2021, Will returns with new show ‘Iceberg’. We talked to him about the show.
How have the last few years been for you?
Oh magic. Nothing like a global pandemic and the fear that my job is going away forever to pique the old interest. But in all seriousness, obviously it was terrible, but I’m not unique in that opinion. We’ve all had a rough time and it seems we’re coming through the other side. I’m just looking forward to getting back and doing the thing I love most in the world.
Can you tell us about ‘Iceberg’?
‘Iceberg’ is a show about rage, and the wide scope of things that we put under the umbrella of rage. But it’s also about my life, and the last couple of years. It’s a different style of show than I’ve tried before and I’m really excited to get to show it to people. And (and of course I’m going to say this), I’m really proud of the finished product and recommend everyone buy a ticket immediately.
In the show you ask the question, ‘Why isn’t everyone screaming in fury?’ How do you find the humour in that anger, and how do you know how far to push that anger while retaining the humour?
Oh we’ve gone deep! I don’t really like over analysing what I’m doing, but I think that all of us use humour as a coping mechanism, and that ability is what lets us all bond. Saying that, if I go too far from the path of ‘funny’ the audience reaction is a pretty quick and brutal barometer. But luckily I don’t, because I’m an incredibly good comedian AND person.
What for you are the best and worst things about the Fringe?
The best thing, undeniably is that you get to see all the people you like in a beautiful city, for a month. And the worst thing is the ever creeping commercialisation of the fringe, money solves problems, and that shouldn’t really be the way it is.
You enjoyed a sell-out run at the Fringe last year. What are your hopes and expectations for 2022?
I don’t really go in with expectations, it sets you up for a fall. I’ve written a show that I’m really proud of, and I hope that will come across to audiences and reviewers etc. I just want to give the best account of myself that I can. That said, if anyone wants to give me a Lamborghini I shan’t say no.
Beyond ‘Iceberg’, can we expect to see you in some guest spots or compilation shows?
Oh certainly, I’ve already booked in a pretty healthy diary up and around the Fringe, but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and release information for their shows. But I think it’s enough to say that if you really hate me, then you’re in for a bad time. I’m everywhere.
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences should see?
So many. What with there being two years without a Fringe everyone’s spent so long making some really incredibly fantastic shows. Ones I’ve seen in preview and am really excited to see the finished versions of include Rachel Fairburn, Maisie Adam, Glenn Moore, Rich Wilson, and Josh Pugh.
‘Iceberg‘ runs from Wed 3 Aug to Sun 28 Aug 2022 (except Mon 15 Aug) at Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar @15:25