The pre-Edinburgh comedy nights start at the Warehouse Theatre.

One of the more diverse acts is Ray Peacock and Son at the Dingwall Road venue.

This is the story of a short, brash Yorkshireman with songs, swearing, blasphemy, world record attempts and reluctantly a backward son.

His image is smart Onslow and rather snazzy flat cap, blue suede shoes and braces. Does he have a personal stylist?

"Thank you very much. I have no idea what a stylist is, so must assume that I don't have one. I think, to be honest, that some people just have a natural eye and flair for choosing the right clothes to go together. And it's no mean feat considering that I am limited in what clothes I can buy due to the fact that Asda don't stock jeans above a 40 inch waist," he replied.

Do audience reactions vary from region to region?

"Not really, I've found that people from town to town are normally quite consistent. I pretty much do badly everywhere. Except for Glasgow where they love me for some reason."

Ray gave some inside information about the show he's taking to Edinburgh.

"This show has some very exciting bits in it. There's a chorus line of dancers (if they ever decide to turn up), a world record attempt (keeping that under wraps though not saying which world record attempt it is) and also, for publicity and controversy, I have concocted a section of blasphemy for the show. It's very trendy blasphemy, what with that Jerry Springer Opera thing."

How do you handle hecklers?

"As quickly and as violently as possible. You have to take control of the situation otherwise it's anarchy. Darren Ray's son keeps trying to stop me from hitting people, saying that a proper comedian would use their wits and quickness of mind to take the tension from a heckling situation and turn the tables on the heckler, but I say If in doubt give it a clout'."

- Ray Peacock and Son Warehouse Theatre Friday, July 17 £8 020 8680 4060