Despite being pictured alongside the cutest ball of fluff, I mean come on how good is that boy, Tania Edwards’ show at Edinburgh Fringe this year is actually entitled Not My Dog. It’s somewhat of a shame because who wouldn’t want to see that furry bungle of joy up on stage...but I digress. The show is described as a “darkly funny exploration of our compulsive need to (mis)represent ourselves”, in which Tania explores life’s deepest and darkest intrigues. This fantastically funny lady will be building up to her appearance in Scotland with a show at the Brighton Komedia next week. I spoke to Tania about her Fringe set, why she loves coming to Brighton and the answer may surprise you, plus her theory on the universe.

Hi Tania, let’s start off simple. Tell me a little bit about the show?

It’s called Not My Dog. It’s me and my microphone.

I’m intrigued by how we present ourselves, especially now that everyone is constructing and reconstructing themselves for social media. It’s interesting to see the edit. It’s even more interesting when you know the truth.

What made this a topic you wanted to explore?

I think the space between how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen is where the funny is, lurking (like tragedy) in the abyss between desire and possibility. People want it all but I don’t think you can have everything at the same time. You might choose happiness over chaos for example, so far so good, but what about the cost to your anecdotes? Life is a constant negotiation.

As a comedian do you feel like you have more wiggle room to explore topics that others may not be able to?

Less than a philosopher, more than an escape artist.

It may give away the point of the show but, why and how do you believe we, as a species, tend to misrepresent ourselves?

Anything worthwhile demands we get out of our comfort zone, or out of bed at least.

The moment you make an effort you expose yourself. Misrepresentation, best self, worse self, getting dressed: it’s all a risk, it’s all a defence. Why do we do it? Eve ate the apple and now we’re self-conscious.

You’re playing in Brighton ahead of your Edinburgh Fringe show. What do you think makes Brighton the perfect city to test out your set?

It takes an hour to get there so I can read on the train.

Do you think that’s why so many comedians preview their shows down here?

Possibly.

Have you played the Komedia before? If so what do you make of it?

I love it. Great room, savvy crowd, top acts… and sweets in the green room. What’s not to like?

What makes Ed Fringe such an incredible comedy showcase?

Everyone plays there. You can see the full Richter scale of talent - for better and for worse. As an act it’s a lot of fun. We all do showcases to promote our shows. So you’re playing early, late, short spots, long spots. It’s bootcamp with beer.

With the fact that it is, probably, the world’s most famous festival of comedy, does that add extra pressure to the show?

There’s always an element of risk with live comedy. That’s what makes it so fun. But I don’t think the reputation of the festival itself adds pressure, unless you’re a new act perhaps, and it’s your first time in the dream factory. I’m looking forward to it: as far as I’m concerned the pressure is all on the audience who have to fight each other for my last few tickets.

What can people expect from this set? Both in Brighton and Edinburgh.

Jokes. Lots of jokes. And if you’re really listening, a coherent theory of the universe and next week’s lottery numbers. Welcome to the dream factory.