John Thomson is best known for his performances onscreen. He has shown his comic chops in The Fast Show and in his work with Steve Coogan and in much more and he has also shown his acting chops in Cold Feet. He is currently filming a new series of Cold Feet to go out later this year. Now Thomson has stepped behind the cameras to executive produce Dying Laughing, a fascinating documentary about the art of comedy. The format is fiendishly simple - a succession comedians talk about their craft, how they go about it and what it means to them. And boy what a cast. There is Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Steve Coogan, Eddie Izzard just for starters...it is so icon-packed there is barely room for John Thomson himself to talk. So if you want to know what makes Thomson tick read this interview below. But also if you have the slightest interest in what goes on in a stand-up's brain watch Dying Laughing.
Dying Laughing is in UK cinemas and on demand from 16th June www.dyinglaughingfilm.com. Read a review 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)?
I check my sanity, I question why I still do this.
What irritates you?
Drivers who don't thank me for pulling in to let them past on busy/narrow roads. Fussy eaters. The British abroad.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
The "Nevis" bungee jump in New Zealand, 3rd highest in the world, 134m straight drop out of a cable car. Incidentally I loved it.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
The stupidest thing is the insanity of going out on New Year's Eve expecting a different outcome every year and it's always awful. Even going in with low expectations, let's face it it's shite.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The public are actually on your side, they don't want you to actually fail, they're right behind you all the way, however having a decent act helps massively.
