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

 

On hearing what it is that I do, having a complete stranger say "Here's a joke you can use." I mean, I don't say to an accountant "here's a number you can use."

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?

 

I've always loved multi-skilled performers like the late Max Wall and I reckon I utilise my talents pretty successfully and hope I'm improving with age.

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

 

Totally variable. I can have a great month followed by two months of wind-blown tumbleweed but it's the deal I struck some forty years ago so no complaints. Money has never been an overriding concern to me because I have always had an adequate amount to get me by.

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

Hard to say but serendipity has certainly played a hand in my career (verb!) when opportunity sneaks in through a side door.

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 see myself as a mildly self-harming golfer.

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

 

Tough one. For now I would say the blues legend John Lee Hooker for his singular, insidious, prowling music and his humanity.

13. 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).

It saddens me, Bruce, that the future of your relationship should be hanging on such a flimsy premise but I have to say that my drawers are generally in order while the rest of my house/life is in a state of constant chaos. I hope that helps