Trev and Simon's alternative Fringe

The duo promise no wigs or beards in their show Unwigged

Comedy duo Trevor Neal and Simon Hickson - who gained cult status on BBC One's Going Live! and Live and Kicking - give BBC News Online's Rebecca Thomas their tips on Fringe festival survival as they return with their all-new show, Unwigged.

What has lured you to the Fringe festival?

Trevor: The late night chip shops, the parties and the heady scent of a costume after 30 shows.

Simon: It is all a mistake. I thought I was appearing at the Fridge. A one-off guest appearance at Brixton's top nightclub circa 1985.

What is the first thing you do on arrival in Edinburgh?

Trevor: I have a fight with Simon over who has the best room in the flat, then go to a chip shop, followed by some costume sniffing.

Simon: I let Trevor win. Then, once he's chosen the best room I fill it with one thousand fleas.

How will you entice audiences into your show?

Trevor: We use fabric spray and deodorants.

Trev and Simon coined a number of bizarre catchphrases while on TV

Simon: I will entice them in the manner of a siren. I will rub my chest enticingly and sing like an angel.

What treats can they expect?

Trevor: Simon in a kinky costume and a picture of me naked.

Simon: Laughter.

Do duvets figure anywhere in your Fringe visit?

Trevor: No. We don't do them. And this is a brand new show with no old characters and no old catchphrases.

Simon: Trev, having the bigger and better room may have a duvet. I will sleep under a continental quilt.

What is your strategy for checking out the competition?

Trevor: There is no competition. We are unique... all the other double-acts are about 20 years younger.

Simon: I despise competition. Competition creates war and famine and cheaper petrol. To those who are in competition, good luck.

What is your worst experience at the Fringe?

Trevor: Any street theatre performed by student drama groups.

Simon: Me and Trevor being chased by men with bottles.

And your best?

Trevor: Any street theatre performed by student drama groups.

Simon: The days when the sun is out and there is nothing to do until the evening.

What are you least looking forward to about this year's Fringe?

Simon: People scaring me in the street with wild painted faces and flowing witch-like robes.

Trevor: Any street theatre performed by student drama groups.

Trev and Simon give harsh treatment to hecklers

What advice would you give to newcomers - both performers and audience members?

Trevor: Always carry clothing for every single possible type of freak weather. Do not take any leaflets or flyers from anyone at any time. Try and see as few shows as possible.

Simon: Always carry leaflets for every single possible type of freak show. Do not take any clothes from anyone at any time. Try and see a show with bare people in it.

Is there something you always make you sure you do - for luck or otherwise - before you go on stage?

Trevor: Go to the toilet. Check I'm in the right venue at the right time and go to the toilet again.

Simon: Well, it's mightily predictable, but I do tend to check my flies over and over again. Not for luck though, just for fun.

How do you deal with hecklers?

Trevor: Tear gas and cattle prods.

Simon: To the left.

Tell us a gag - as a taster of what to expect from your show.

Trevor: What do you call a French man in sandals? Phillipe Fellop

Simon: What do you call a French man in sandals? Call him what you like, he won't come.

Not because the French are rude. It's just that he has no ears and he is busy trying to buy a wasp in the window. (This isn't in the show.)

Unwigged is at the Pleasance Dome, 1 Bristo Square, nightly (except 6 and 20 August) until 26 August.