Tom Crosbie’s is better known to fans as the Performing Nerd, and his new show, Nerd’s Eye View, is currently at the Edinburgh Fringe. We caught up with him to find out more.
What is Nerds Eye View? How would you describe it to someone who has never been to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I struggle to describe it myself! It’s a collection of useless skills, presented in a way that (I hope) is vaguely entertaining
Why Rubik’s Cubes?
Everyone, at some point, has tried to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Everyone inherently knows how difficult they are, while still probably having one sat in a drawer somewhere. There aren’t many things as universally recognised as the Rubik’s Cube
You say you’re not a magician, but what you do looks like magic to most of us. Which of your many feats of memory took you the longest to learn
Longest to learn and longest to perfect are two different questions. Memorising a deck of cards takes an afternoon to learn but the lifetime to master. Learning all of Trivial Pursuit has taken about two years, and it’s still an ongoing challenge.
What’s been your favourite moment so far with the Fringe?
Walking out on stage and seeing my A-level physics teacher sat in the front row
What’s your favourite prop from the show so far?
There is a stuffed elephant on stage on one of my shelves. I never make reference to it. It’s never discussed. It doesn’t even feature in the show. But it makes me really happy that the elephant in the room is there. His name is Herbert for those that are wondering.
What’s the oddest Rubik’s thing you own?
I own a Rubik’s cube in the shape of Darth Maul’s head from Star Wars. It’s not especially difficult but it was the first puzzle in that genre I ever tried to solve. My original one has been lost time, but this replacement was a gift from a friend and it certainly means a lot.
What’s the biggest challenge facing theatre today?
Convincing audiences that it’s safe to go back. Some people are understandably still very hesitant. And I think it’s up to us to make sure that they feel as comfortable as they can.
What’s the nerdiest thing you’re into?
I once represented Spain at the International Pokémon card game championships. As nerdy as that is, I wear it as a badge of pride
If you could meet any fictional character, what would it be?
Artemis Fowl from the eponymous book series (NOT the Disney film adaptation…) teenage criminal mastermind. Make of that what you will.
Which performers inspire you?
In terms of structuring a show? Mike Birbiglia is a true masterclass. Demitri Martin the same. In terms of material? Robin Ince & Richard Ayoade really hit that nerdy button for me.
What tropes / gags do you personally avoid the most?
Hack lines. I throw one in – semi ironically – but I’ve worked with enough hack comedians that make a living off material that was out of date in the 80s.
Would You Pick:
Picard or Discovery?
Picard. Though I was never a huge Star Trek fan.
Dungeons and Dragons or Blades in the Dark?
Dungeons & Dragons all the way. It’s a classic for a reason.
Doctor Who or Doctor No?
Doctor Who all the way.
Borg or Cybermen?
Cybermen.
Stargate, Star Wars or Stars In Their Eyes?
Star Wars. I’m so glad they never made more than 4 films.
Truth or Beauty?
Truth. People will see the beauty in it if it’s there, and sometimes people need to hear it.
