How has life been treating you since last Edinburgh?

Very well thanks. A lot of it has been focussed on my sister’s wedding last March, as well as projects which I am currently not allowed to mention. I’ve reduced my alcohol intake, not put on too much weight, and done my first ever gigs in India. Which was surprisingly fun.

What is your new show about?

In a word – aspiration. It was sparked by a chance meeting with my comedic nemesis Jim Davidson in September which did not end well. It’s a look at how comedy, society and government are increasingly punching down, finger pointing at the dispossessed rather than actively supporting social mobility. As always it’s a lot funnier than it sounds.

Are there any other acts that you would particularly recommend who are appearing in this festival?

Of course. I’m certainly not going to mention any well known names here. Too many punters fail to take a risk and stick to the TV faces. Instead try Stuart Goldsmith, Benny Boot, Andrew Bird, Elis James, Henry Paker, Markus Birdman and the incomparable Glenn Wool.

In last year’s show, you explored the attitudes of the far right. To what extent do you think they are finding a foothold in modern British society?

To be honest I don’t really know. I think that there is public concern about immigration, but I don’t think that many share the downright hostility of the BNP or EDL. Electoral results are encouraging.

Much of your material is political in nature. Do you consider yourself a “political comedian”?

Sort of. I cherry pick topics to talk about that are relatively accessible. I consider myself more of a social comedian, especially as these days it is so hard to nail your mast to any particular political party. I like to talk about “issues” rather than actual politicians. It’s important that comedians don’t overstretch themselves.

Tell us about your recent appearance on Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.

What’s to say? I am a huge fan, I was ridiculously flattered to be asked to appear, and I only hope that people enjoyed my appearance as much as I enjoyed his show.

What are the pros and cons about the stand-up lifestyle?

It’s not hard work. It really isn’t no matter how many people might try and tell you otherwise. It can however be very stressful, and the hours are hugely antisocial, given that the most money is to be earned on a Friday and Saturday night. I miss my friends.

Since we last spoke I believe you have left the medical profession? How do you feel about moving from one career to another in this way?

Just another of life’s great gambles, the kind of risk taking that everyone needs to do from time to time if they want to follow their dreams.

How does your medical background inform your work in comedy? Do you have any humorous anecdotes about haemorrhoids, for instance?

I’ve never really wanted to be the kind of person who has funny medical anecdotes. It is rather disrespectful to the patient. But it informs my comedy in that I’ve lived a life. Too many comics go straight into comedy without ever having done anything that can give them a sense of perspective. I can still remember breaking bad news to bereaved relatives. Once you’ve done that comedy doesn’t seem half as stressful as it might do. I have experienced unbelievable lows, and that really helps as a comic.

Is it better to say that you are a doctor or a stand-up comedian when you are on the pull?

The latter. Say you are a doctor and they’ll expect you to buy dinner and all the drinks. Say you are a stand up comedian and expectations are very, very low.

You have enjoyed many successes on television quizzes such as University Challenge and Mastermind. What is it about these shows that appeals to you?

Ha ha. I have enjoyed no success whatsoever on those shows! But as you may know, quizzing is not so much a hobby as an obsession to me. I have been fortunate enough in the last two years to quiz with or against most of the best in the world and this has given me a bigger thrill than any TV show has.

What do you envisage for your future career? Do you have any ambitions that you have not already fulfilled?

Everyone should have unfulfilled ambitions. It’s what makes life as rich as it is. I’d like to do solo shows where I am not paralyzed with doubt as to whether anyone will come. I’d like to appear on Question Time with Richard Littlejohn. I’d like to find a younger man who finds me hilarious and heartstoppingly beautiful in equal measure. What I don’t crave is fame and wealth. Not my cup of tea, thanks.

Is homosexuality compatible with “laddish” culture?

I’m 41, so I’m probably not the best person to ask. I’d say that even amongst über lads, homosexuality has never been less of an issue. Unfortunately we live in a time where tribalism and massive alcohol intake are the key features of weekend entertainment, and there will always be gay people who suffer verbal or physical abuse as a result. I remain optimistic that things are improving.

Paul Sinha was  talking to Andrew Doyle