Aaron Wood makes his Edinburgh Fringe debut this year with More To Life. He has previously been tour support for Fin Taylor and Connor Burns and has had over 100 million views online. In his live show he describes exactly what it’s like growing up in a Northern, working class household, living on a council estate, the amusing everyday drama that comes with it and the relentless optimism needed to pursue your dreams.
Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at a young age, Aaron always found school tricky and moved around many times, attending NINETEEN different schools ... stand-up was the obvious next step!
More to Life is a gag-heavy, relatable, upbeat and heartwarming show that asks is there really more to life than this? Tim Vine has called Aaron Wood 'Absolutely brilliant!'
Aaron Wood: More To Life is at Hoots @ The Apex - Hoot 3 between 1-25 August @ 4:50pm (not 12th). Tickets and info here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?
Press record on my cameras of course. Everything is content! (God, I hate myself).
What irritates you?
I have this theory that other people don’t really exist. Do you ever sit in your car, for instance, and you’re checking emails for say 15 minutes? Not a single car will go past in that time. Then as soon as you’re ready to pull out there will be a line of traffic. Those people don’t exist. I’m convinced they’re put on the planet just to get in my way. I could be on the moon and still somebody would be in front of me. That. That irritates me.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
My girlfriend and I rented a boat while on holiday. The man gave us all the instructions and naturally I heard none of them because I was just thinking of how sick I was gonna be at driving a boat. Long story short, I crashed it. The propellor broke, so I had no control over it, and the sea was really choppy so it knocked us on to some rocks. It was very close to capsizing and had it done we’d have been really injured and had to pay TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS. So, so dumb but I got a cool picture for Instagram!
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
I spent the first 27 years of my life thinking I didn’t like jacket potatoes. Always avoided them. I’ve no idea why. I was forced to try one a few months ago and I’m not being dramatic but it changed my life. I eat them far too often now and my belly jiggles when I run upstairs.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
I didn’t realise how grim all the service station food was in this country. If I stumble across a Leon it’s like Christmas. Also, when I went to shows pre stand up I used to think that green rooms would be crazy fun places where everyone is partying and listening to music…I did a crossword on my phone last night before I went on.
What do your parents think of your job?
My dad left. Thanks for bringing that up!
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Trying to find parking. Oh my days, it doesn’t sound like a big deal but every time I have to park in Leeds I swear my hairline retreats a quarter inch.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
Please don’t make me self reflect!
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I had to buy new underpants recently and spent an hour creating 10 different email addresses as the first pair was 50% off for new customers. I’d like to earn enough to buy my kecks with dignity.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
A lot of it is right place right time. I’ve had some class opportunities to open for people on their tours just because of the particular green room I was in one night but more important than anything is just being sound. If you’re a fun hang or car share then you’ll get further than most. That and deodorant. Doesn’t matter how good you are if you’re stinky.
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 third category?
I don’t know, I don’t self harm but I’m also not a Tory so I don’t golf either. (It looks fun, I’m just skint) - I’m undefeated at mini golf though. I’m class at it which my girlfriend said is a red flag as it means I’ve been on a lot of dates to mini golf. That’s not true, I’m just autistic and really try but I let her believe the former as it makes me sound cooler.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
It’s hard to pick favourite ever but there’s a country artist named Jelly Roll and he’s up there at the minute. His whole outlook on life and his character is so infectious and I love it. He’s really open and forthcoming with how much he loves those around him and he shares all of his wins and opportunities with others. If we were all like that I think the world would be a better place.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
I’m a complete clean freak so yes. I don’t understand these people who don’t know where EVERYTHING is. If I ever can’t find something it’s because my girlfriend has moved it. (Except when it’s not and it’s my fault but don’t worry about that).
Aaron Wood: More To Life is at Hoots @ The Apex - Hoot 3 between 1-25 August @ 4:50pm (not 12th). Tickets and info here.
Picture Credit: Owen Peters
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