It’s that time of year again when Weirdos Comedy Club and Laugh Out London put on their annual alternative pantomime. This year it is at the Leicester Square Theatre from December 7 - 9. All funds go to Great Ormond Street Hospital
My Big Fat Weirdos Christmas Wedding homes in on a young couple who want nothing more than to be married. But malevolent forces are working against them. It’s silly, unpredictable and wildly innovative. Expect love, violence, music and poorly made cardboard props. Do not expect a normal pantomime.
The cast features the cream of the alt-comedy scene including Ben Target, Harriet Kemsley, Jon Brittain, Matt Tedford, Katia Kvinge, Michael Brunström, Mark Stephenson and Cassie Atkinson. It is written by Adam Larter and directed by Matthew Highton. BTJ felt it had no choice but to have a chat with Adam Larter. So buy some tickets and read on…
Tickets here.
1. 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 )?
I get changed. It's all well and good wearing silly stuff onstage but it needs to be the last thing you do.
Sometimes I like to pace nervously in front of the audience screaming into my hands - so that they know I'm in control.
2. What irritates you?
In comedy - people plugging their Twitter at the end of the gig.
If you're funny people are going to look you up and want to hear more, why on earth would you say your Twitter handle. How stupid do you think your audience are?
Outside of comedy - sport. People watching sport. I don't get sport. How did sport become a thing? Exercise I get but I don't get sport.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Nothing too crazy. Probably buying fireworks and giving them to drunk Ali Brice - we couldn't hear for a bit after that one went wrong.
Also Bob Slayer once got me to drill into a ceiling on top of a ladder. There was nowhere to lean the ladder so he said it'd be ok if he just "held it" (I am still alive).
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Cast 30 comedians in a pantomime without a budget. . . for 5 years in a row.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How little comedy some comedians watch.
I'm a big comedy nerd and I've spent all my life watching comedy and obsessing over comedians.
While I was at university we used to watch stand up every week at Outside the Box (great comedy club in Kingston). My mind is blown when I meet comics who don't really watch much or don't watch shows while they are in Edinburgh. Very odd.
Interview continues here.
