Interview – Max Fulham
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to interview comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham who is making his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his show Full Of Ham on until 20 August.
Q. Tell us about yourself and your show Full Of Ham?
A. I am a comedian and ventriloquist making my Edinburgh Fringe Debut this year. My show is a mix of stand-up, sketch, and character comedy featuring my intrusive thoughts, a visit from a grandparent, a party and some processed meat.
Q. What first drew you to the art form of ventriloquism and how do you go about reinventing it?
A. I started teaching myself how to do ventriloquism after my parents bought me a puppet for Christmas when I was nine years old. I’m very grateful that small tiny Max put in all the practice as I’m not sure I’d have the patience the learn it now! I’ve always enjoyed playing with the tropes of ventriloquism as I think they people have quite a set view of what they think it can be, more so than perhaps with other art forms. It’s great to explore different ways to use ventriloquism, using it in unexpected ways to make the funniest, silliest stuff I can.
Q. You grew up in West Lothian but this is your first time playing at the Edinburgh Fringe, what are you looking forward to most about your Scottish homecoming?
A. I think it might take a few days after starting the run of shows for it to sink in that I’m actually doing it. I am so familiar with Edinburgh in Fringe mode from going to watch shows, both as a child growing up in Linlithgow and as an adult. I can’t wait to actually be one of the people doing the comedy. I’m also glad I’ll know my way around fairly well!
Q. You have plenty of celebrity admirers, including the comedic icon Rowan Atkinson, but who are your icons and how would you react if you ever spotted them in your audience?
A. How could I not include Rowan Atkinson on that list, Mr Bean was a staple of my comedy upbringing. I was gobsmacked when he was in the audience of a show I was in and it was incredible to hear he enjoyed what I do. There are also a few other comedy heroes that could probably stop me in my tracks if I spotted them in the audience, the likes of Harry Hill, Vic and Bob, and Ray Alan (I’d be most shocked to see Ray Alan because he is dead).
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to become a ventriloquist?
A. The boring advice is unfortunately to just start practicing, give it a go, don’t clench your teeth too much and play around with your tongue position to see how you might be able to make different sounds. Boring, technical advice aside, I’d encourage you to enjoy the ventriloquism you see but get excited about what else can be done. What else could talk? How many voices could be at play? Who are you in the conversation?
Q. Did you expect to be honoured at the Great British Pantomime awards?
A. It was a real shock to receive an award for my work in pantomime. It’s also just nice to see pantomime recognised in general as it’s such an important part of the entertainment industry, creatively, financially and more!
Q. What’s coming up next for you after the Fringe?
A. I think I will have a little rest and then it will be back to gigging all over the place. It will certainly take some adjusting to after the month of Fringe shows I think. I’ll probably miss being in one place for so long!
Q. And finally, how would Gordon the Monkey describe you in five words?
A. Not sure exactly what five words but they wouldn’t be nice ones because he’s not in the fringe show!
Max Fulham will be performing Full Of Ham at 33 Cellar at Pleasence Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe until 20 August at 6.40pm. For more information and to book visit Max Fulham: Full of Ham | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
