Jon Harvey: TreasuRETROve is on at Assembly George Square Theatre - The Box, during August.

  • Tell us about your Fringe show

It’s about celebrating great movies, but not just the usual suspects (such as the Usual Suspects). I’ve spent over 20 years hunting for hidden gems in the world’s video dungeon to find films that might not have won an Oscar but which possess their own (sometimes unintentional) genius. I think these unique treasures need to be saved, to stop them from being lost forever to the ravages of time and good taste. And I’ll show you clips from some of my favourites. I’ve been hooked on TV and movies for as long as I can remember, so the show’s also about how these fantastic tapes of the unexpected have steered my own life in weird directions.

  • How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

Scary (like Alien), exciting (like Aliens) and an expensive gamble (all subsequent Alien movies)

  • Why did you decide to perform at the Fringe?

Doing this show has been on my bucket list for years, so I thought it was time to scratch the itch. And when it comes to comedy the Fringe is the most special place in the world.

  • If you were not a performer what would you be doing?

Watching football, cricket and a mountain of movies. And visiting the Fringe as a spectator: every year throws up amazing new shows.

  • How do you prepare for a performance?

Press-ups, sit-ups, an asthma attack, and then a sit down.

  • Best/worst advice you’ve been given ahead of your debut show?

“You should totally do a show.” Whether that’s the best or worst advice we’re about to find out.

Pretty much all of it. Edinburgh’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the Fringe is so full of talent it’s staggering. I can’t wait to watch people doing their brilliant stuff.

  • What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

Proclaim that I’ve walked 500 miles (on aggregate)

  • Favouite Scottish food/drink?

Irn-Bru (old recipe)

  • Sum up your show in three words

Movies. Surprises. Boo!

Show summary

Intrepid pop-culture archaeologist Jon is on a mission, hunting gems for his treasuRETROve of the world’s most unintentionally ingenious films and telly, to save them from being lost to the ravages of time and good taste. 

Jon Harvey: TreasuRETROve is on at Assembly George Square Theatre - The Box, during August. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com