Interview: Rarely Asked Questions – Trygve Wykenshaw: Page 2 of 2

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6. What do your parents think of your job?

They are both super proud, but my mum suspects I'm not putting into my savings very regularly. I think she worries about my retirement plan. 

7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

Trying to justify comedy as an art form.

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?

I agree. I think I'm very good. But I do think I could be better. Or the material could be better. Or my appeal could be broader. Or I could change more lives with comedy. Or I could perform to more elite audiences, or more common. Or that I could give it all up and still be happy with life. I really like me and I just want to see myself do well in whatever I choose to do.

9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

I spent 10 years trying to be an actor and struggling to pay rent. Now I have money in my bank and my balance isn't bouncing around zero. I would like to have enough money to not worry about money and to give to people who are doing interesting things if it was any more than that. I'd also like to own a house.

10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

I've had lots of great luck, but that's because I've just kept working. Winning the lottery is no longer luck if you've bought all the tickets.

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'd say I'm a golfer, but a golfer who takes his clubs home and eats and sleeps with them in the same room.

12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?

I found out about Nadia Comăneci, the Romanian gymnast who was the first to score a perfect ten at the Olympics (Montreal, 1976). There is something incredibly badass about her obeying the rules of gymnastics but pushing through them to create the perfect ten. I went to the incredible Alexander McQueen exhibition a couple of weeks ago and this sums up why I love Nadia Comăneci‘You've got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I'm here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.’ - Alexander McQueen

13. Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not?

I have been on the road for the last three years more-or-less but do make it a point to unpack from my suitcase into whichever room I'm staying in. My drawers stay tidy because there is not enough time to make much mess before moving on, and tidy drawers are a stable comfort.

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