Pierre Novellie is undoubtedly the finest stand-up comedian with a degree in Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic history to come out of South Africa via the Isle of Man. Scrub that. Forget the sub-clauses. He's just pretty bloody good. He might look like he ought to be an international rugby player and he might have a name that makes him sound as if he should be a poncy chef but he is actually a natural comedian. Confident and assured onstage with a natural gift for storytelling. It’s all a ruse of course. Like the rest of us he is riddled with anxiety. In fact Novellie’s new show is called Anxious Peter and looks at the nature of being neurotic, among other things. I don’t really know what he's got to worry about. If last year’s show Mighty Peter is any guide this should be a confidently delivered laugh riot.

 

 

  

 

 

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies, check for spinach between teeth and check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt)?

 

If it's looking like a tough gig, I check my facial expression because  often I'll let my face betray how I'm feeling as I go onstage and it wrecks my chances in a potentially salvageable room. It helps to imagine there's someone in the room who's never seen stand up before and is excited despite a difficult atmosphere.

 

2. What irritates you?

 

People who lack the imagination to consider, even just for fun, the notion that they might be wrong.

 

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

 

Statistically, probably living in Johannesburg. Other than that, rugby? I try to shoot shotgun or rifle when I can, but maybe that's only the most dangerous for other people nearby.

 

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

 

It's a tie between drinking enough that I missed a flight the next day and trying to date someone soon after their five-year relationship crumbled. These are both very stupid things to do.

 

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

 

The sheer size of the circuit.

Interview continues here.