Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
Back in the 90’s i was in an indie pop band called The Pointy Birds. Sadly, we didn’t become rich or famous but our manager did. So did lots of rival bands we played with. Even the record shop where I worked during the day misfiling vinyl got its 15 minutes of fame appearing on the cover of Oasis What’s the Story Morning Glory album cover.
So the show (based on my book of same name) is an attempt to work out where we went wrong. And why I had (still have?) such untrammelled desire to become a rock star. It’s also a celebration of glorious failure and a coming of age story about pursuing your dreams and what happens when reality gets in the way. So if you were in a band that didn’t make it or wanted to be in a band or you are still in a band then come see this show!
Or if you like a bit of 90s nostalgia. Then this show is a love letter to a bygone era and a snapshot of a time that no long exists. A period piece if you like. Or if you like music AND comedy and don’t mind a bit of hilarious inter song banter, then this show is definitely for you too. And if you’re lucky I might even pick up the plectrum and play a few of Pointy Bird non hits that should have been.
Are you flying solo or are you part of a team?
It’s a one man show so I am very much flying solo but got some great people around me such as the very lovely Jason Watkins, the BAFTA award winning actor of stage and screen who is directing the show. I also have had some workshop sessions with the amazing Phil Nichol who knows a thing or two about one man shows and has put me through my paces. Given i have not performed a one man show before and it’s 30 years since i was in a band I couldnt be in better hands.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
On one level just performing at the Fringe is a dream in itself. I think it’s important to keep things realistic and have achievable aims but I’ll be quite upset if I don’t win the award for best show, get commissioned by Netflix and become extremely rich and famous off the back of this…I’ve waited long enough. The show has got boxset written all over it…High Fidelity meets Flight of the Conchords via Spinal Tap
What makes you laugh?
Dogs. Show me a dog and guaranteed they will do something stupid within seconds. it’s their timing. Humans have to work hard at it. Dogs are comedy naturals.
What is it that made you a performer?
Part of this show is me trying to work that out. Although i think i can pinpoint it to 1979 when my drama teacher cast me as lead in school play and i got a fatal taste of the stage. I got a few laughs and that was it …fractions were no longer for me…I was far more interested in placing a plastic dog poo under the teacher’s desk.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
Even though the the show is primarily about failure and delusion it is quite a waggy-tailed positive show so hopefully people will leave feeling inspired, lighter, happier, more hopeful. At the very least I hope they might smirk. Coz it’s nice to smirk.
Whose show – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
My show is at 1:30 so looking forward to just immersing myself in the whole world. Stumbling upon shows. Can’t wait.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given?
Enjoy telling the story.
Do you have a favourite Fringe memory?
I hung out with Sean Hughes for about three minutes in 1991. It was the year he won the Perrier. I had previously seen him do stand up in our student Union canteen to about three people. And how here he was king of comedy. It showed the dream was possible.
Who is your showbiz/Fringe idol and why.
Billy Connolly is the comedian who has made me laugh the most over the years. Big hearted and warm and very relatable. Just love that ability to find the humour in any situation. It was like life was a comedy and he had front row seats.
