6. What do your parents think of your job?
They are very proud. But have never stopped secretly wishing for me to go into teaching.
7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Family gatherings when you get the old - “Go on Tom, give us a joke” or just being introduced to someone new as a comedian and then seeing them adjust how they talk to you.
8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
Ha! well now I’m blushing Bruce! I think I’m a very lucky boy who tries to make up with enthusiasm what he lacks in skill.
9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I earn enough to get by but not enough to relax when treating myself. I still feel like I Iive hand to mouth.
10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Very lucky. I think everyone has to be lucky in this game but… Cliche Alarm- you do make your own luck. I love that phrase about - what is it - there is such a thing as a muse but she’s got to find you working. Or something like that. You get lucky by being in the right place to get lucky.
11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
I’m a tortured golfer. I think you do have to ride the breaks and go where it takes you but you can never stop striving to make something perfect. I also really like playing golf.
12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?
I think Ayrton Senna had the right approach to life. That interview where they asked about his finest ever race - and this was after he’d won the Formula One World Championship three times - and he went back to when he was a boy racing go-karts. Back to when it was pure and full of joy. He was always fighting to hold onto that feeling. I love that sentiment.
13. Do you keep your drawers tidy?
Hell no. Can’t open most of them.
