Comedy fans rejoice. If you don't live in Edinburgh, you might feel like you're missing out but there's plenty of fun to be had elsewhere.

In fact, you can catch one of the unsung delights of last year's Fringe in Richmond this Sunday when Bill Bruce presents his Chortle- commended show, Political Hot Potato, at The Laughing Horse.

Dubbed "political comedy for people who hate political comedy", Bruce's material is surprisingly accessible. But be warned: someone who called their 2004 Edinburgh debut Dumbing Up is not about to deliver the standard set of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus gags.

"A lot of comedians set things up on confrontation," he says.

"It's them against the audience, whereas my show is me against just a section of the audience!

"I like campaigning comedians like Mark Thomas but it's not what I do. I just want to get things off my chest.

"I say: This is what I think and you're entitled to agree or disagree.' I'm no expert but people can put up their hand up and ask me a question."

My question is, what came first for this former journalist - making a point or making the joke?

"Oh, making the joke," he says.

"I think that anything you feel passionate about, you can also find ridiculous. Of course, some things are beyond parody, like the present administration in America. Everyone knows Bush is an idiot so it's lazy comedy to talk about it. I discuss the things people take for granted instead."

Like the state of the nation's health, for example, which Bruce has tentatively chosen as the subject for his next Edinburgh offering. In his experience, an hour-long set takes the best part of a year to prepare and, after last year's success, he wants to get his new material spot on.

Bruce, 36, first attended the Fringe in the early 90s as a critic and now, as poacher turned gamekeeper, he follows with interest the acts he touted for stardom.

Some, like Bill Bailey, only get better, says Bruce. Others, like Mel and Sue, have been lured away by the regular hours and more regular pay cheques of daytime television.

Bruce is part of The Free Fringe, Laughing Horse's innovative new venture which covers all financial overheads so festival shows are free for comedians to perform and audiences to watch.

"Edinburgh has become the most important date in a comedian's calendar," says Bruce.

"It's a shop window. But comedians have to do things they feel less than comfortable with - like marketing, branding and packaging their acts.

"The Free Fringe takes the pressure off. You're not going to make any money, but you're not going to lose any either.

"I like to think of it as a holiday where I have to get on stage to shout at people. And that's always been my definition of a good holiday, anyway."

  • Bill Bruce's Political Hot Potato, Laughing Horse, The Britannia, 5 Brewers Lane, Richmond, Sunday, August 12, 7.30pm, £3/£1. Call 020 9840 1070, visit laughinghorse. co.uk for more details.