Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
I really, truly believe that you should all come and see my show because I am, without doubt, North Manchester’s most reliable comedian. I’ve never been late for a show. Another reason for you to come is that I’m 41 years old and I live in a house share with six people so I really need this year’s show to be successful. I only have access to half a shelf in a shared fridge and it’s just not enough. Oh and it’s dead funny too! I promise. It’s the most fun I’ve had doing a show for many years and audiences so far are really reacting positively to it.
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
I always thought that my main hopes and dreams for a Fringe run would be to win another award, gain international acclaim, become the talk of the fringe or get my own TV show but now I just want to leave with enough money to be able to not live with 6 idiots who took 18 months to change the lightbulb in the kitchen. And in case you’re wondering, it is was just your classic 2-Pinner bulb. They’re pretty common and esy to purchase from most stores.
What makes you laugh?
Recordings of my own stand-up shows. Often when I’m in a car share to a gig with other comedians and it’s a long journey (let’s say 5-6 hours each way) I treat them to a couple of recordings of my own live shows. I feel it really helps break up the journey as i laugh at my own punchlines and then pause the recording so I can explain my thought process behind the joke that they have often weirdly failed to respond to. Another bonus is that I often get away without paying for my share of the petrol because they usually just tell me to “get the hell out!” of their car as they slow down to 5MPH and push me out of the now open passenger seat door. Always be prepared to tuck and roll when you’re in a comedians’ car share
What three words best describe your performance style – and why.
“Desperate” is definitely the main one. I’ll do anything for a laugh. LITERALLY ANYTHING! You can usually see how needy I am if you look into eyes.
“Anarchic”! I like to use the word anarchic because if it’s going badly and becomes a shambles, I can just say “Sorry guys! That’s anarchy for you. It’s chaotic and often self-centered.
“Fun” All-joking aside… (and those other two words were meant to be a joke, honestly) My shows are always fun with a silly, irreverent manner but occasionally I’ll surprise people with an actual message underneath all the stupid.
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
They’ll definitely go home and hug their loved ones a little tighter. After an hour in my company they’ll feel much better about many of their own life decisions. Someone did genuinely post online that they were still laughing an hour after the show, which was nice to read but I think they probably had some underlying issues that they need to address.
What kind of shows – apart from your own – are you looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I really don’t get to see a lot but I like nothing better than a really good improv show starring several, privately educated twenty-somethings that reek of trust funds. There’s really nothing better.
There’s so many shows I want to see but Mark Nelson, Seymour Mace, Micky Overman are high up on the list.
The cost of living is a big issue this year – will it make this Fringe more challenging?
It will in terms of ticket sales and accessibility for punters. Numbers will suffer due to the expense of hotels, travel etc… Which is shame for people who look forward to coming up and enjoying the festival each year. In terms of myself funding a show? I’ve never had money so I’m used to being shafted by every aspect of staying alive. Thank God I still have one working kidney I can sell-on if I’m really desperate.
What do you predict will emerge as the big themes of this year.
ADHD will obviously be the big one and THANK GOD! I don’t think enough people have told me that the reason their behaviour has been intolerable over the years is down to their lack of concentration. I always assumed it was because they were arseholes but who knew? It was actually down to a medical condition and one that can be diagnosed online. Incredible.
And I’ll tell you what else this festival needs, more medical professionals doing a show whilst stretching the definition of confidentiality to its limit.
Who is your showbiz idol and why.
The person I’ve worked with who is my showbiz idol and someone who I love to meet up with when I have the opportunity is Alexei Sayle. He has so many fascinating stories and he’s just such a funny, down to earth and important comedian. His Radio 4 show is just brilliant!
Rik Mayall is my comedy idol that I sadly never got to work with. I really can’t put into words how much his comedy means to me.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
Leaving with a fully functioning liver and hitch-hiking home without incident.
