5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

Other than the fact that it’s become a career at all, I had no idea I’d love it this much. Even when things aren’t going great, the simple fact that this is what I do and that I can legitimately point to stuff I’ve achieved of which I’m really proud still makes me giddy. No matter how awful a gig might be, or how annoyed I am at myself for being a useless shafter, there’s a core buoyancy and delight at just being part of the cavalcade that never goes away.

6. What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job?

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

The haunting thought of how much money I could have saved over the years if only I’d booked train tickets in advance.

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?

Shucks, I bet you say that to all the comedians. I think I am a frustrating shambles of a man.

 

I can look back on certain things I’ve done in the past and feel satisfied that they were very good, though that rarely carries over into feeling content in the here and now.

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

For the last few years I've earned writer on an Avalon production money. I just want to be able to feed my family.

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

“Meet me halfway, buy a fucking ticket.” Luck is important. But you have to put yourself amongst it to get lucky. 

 

The luckiest breaks I’ve had have been in terms of the amazing people I’ve been able to work with, and who for some reason have tolerated working with me: From Russell and the Good News folk to Marek and Greg, Pappy’s, Chris Addison, Frank, Alun and Emily. How none of them have punched me in the face is possibly the luckiest break of all.

 

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 self-harmer who has slowly become more of a golfer, with the commensurate drop in quality of my output.

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

Blimey, I spent way too long thinking about this one. Shading it from various musicians - (Robyn Hitchcock, Kristin Hersh, Graham Coxon, Johnny Cash) - the garland goes to Matthew Le Tissier. A beacon of loyalty and lackadaisical charm, he played some truly beautiful football, while always coming across like a really decent person. “His is a nonchalant grace. He plays like an angel, alongside Frances Benali.” 

 

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

From what I can tell, nobody ever seems to answer this question. (editor's note - this is because it is a new question added to elicit a response that would shed some greater insight on a performer's personality and creative temperament. Also the editor was having an argument with his girlfriend about her messiness when he was devising extra questions)