Ivo Graham might as well have "future star" written through him like "Blackpool" through a stick of rock purchased in a famous seaside resort in the north-west. He won the Gilded Balloon's So You Think You're Funny? competition in 2009 at a horrendously early age and then went off to get a proper education and a degree. He is now back and funnier than ever. His gig diary is here although he is getting so busy he is a bit rubbish at keeping it up to date. But if you do hear that he is playing a club near you buy tickets so that you can boast to your friends that you saw Graham before mega-success went to his head.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage?
Big slug of water. Couple of semi-ironic stretches. Attempt to appear either improbably relaxed or comically panicked, depending on who else is backstage. Quick flick through Wikipedia page of town/city the gig is in for fun facts. Discover something vaguely amusing and wish I'd checked early enough to actually work out how to use it in the set. Resolve to do so next time. But never do.
2. What irritates you?
People videoing concerts. People with that whistle alert on their phone when they get a text message. People saying "you and I" when they mean "you and me" (the other way round is an innocent mistake: this way round - e.g. "between you and I" - a failed attempt to be superior). You can tell I'm a super fun guy, can't you?
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
This question makes me feel very embarrassed about what a tedious danger-free life I've lived. I really do tend to shy away from anything that puts my fragile body in even minor peril. I once jumped into a river off a very high bridge while on a family holiday in France, which might have looked pretty gung-ho to any casual onlookers, but which was actually only green-lit after I'd conducted a rigorous risk assessment on the depth of the water beforehand.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Told my mother about the jump, and then did it again in front of her despite her explicit instructions for me not to.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The very obvious differences between the National Express and Megabus clientele.
Interview continues here.
