Naz Osmanoglu is a busy man this August. Not content with performing as part of the sketch comedy group, and Fringe favourites, WitTank, he has also decided to embark on his first stand-up show, modestly entitled "1000% Awesome". He quickly explains, “I was bragging in a bar that I could do anything and someone dared me to get 1000% Awesome tattooed on my nipple. I sat down on the chair, freaked out and ran away.” However, a tattoo parlour's loss is comedy's gain as this title stuck and became the inspiration for his solo debut.

It seems that, much like charity, comedy also begins at home. Osmanoglu's show is centred around his Father. However, this is not exactly a normal paternal relationship. “I am a prince of Turkey, it's an empty title so I am a shit prince, I'm not even figure-head but as far as my Dad is concerned it's his divine right to behave however he wants.” Despite these eccentricities, Osmanoglu speaks with great poignancy about his Father “I want to impress him because he is a big force in my life. If I am ironically a 1000% awesome he is sincerely a million percent awesome.”

Osmanoglu attended Durham University and was initially oblivious to sketch comedy. However, this all changed after seeing the Durham Revue perform. “I auditioned for Ed Gamble (also playing at this year's Fringe) but he didn't let me in the fucking revue”, he jokingly teases. So to Plan B and the birth of WitTank. “Slowly over the years the cast have changed but I think we have finally found our identity with the three of us.” Despite the success of WitTank, Osmanoglu still remained terrified of stand-up, “I just didn't think I could do it.” Yet it was, once again, the influence of Ed Gamble that shifted his attitude. “He is the inspiration for my life”, he laughs. “I saw him do a solo show and though 'I want to do that now' and I really enjoyed it. Seeing my peers doing it inspired me.”

It is a daunting step to make from sketch comedy, where you have the reassurance of other people on stage, to the exposing world of stand-up. Is it too much of an adjustment? “Stand-up is you and your personality. The audience have to buy into you before they can like what you are saying.” He continues, “with sketch comedy the material is a bigger part and when the lights go off you reset and can become a different personality. It's a lot of fun because I am on stage with my best friends in the world.” This touching camaraderie only last so long though as he cheekily admits that “it's nice not having to share my applause, I am an egomaniac!”

With the prospect of reviews, critics and the dreaded 1-star review, the Fringe can be a nerve-wracking month for a comedian. “In my world it feels like exams. Its the end of the year and everyone judges you and at Edinburgh things tend to feel a bit more important.” Which is why practice certainly makes perfect. Speaking from experience, Osmanoglu advises all keen, young comedians to “do stand up and do it early, I regret not doing it from my first year. Experience is the only thing that makes you good. You have nothing to lose, it's really fun and it will probably get you laid.” Sage advice indeed.