What do your parents think of your job?
Well, my parents are supportive in a: “It’s a passionate hobby, but one day he’ll find a real job” type of way. My brother was embarrassed to be seen at my shows when I first started – the minute I landed my first TV gig, he was bragging about me around town!
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
I guess the worst thing is if a person in the crowd decides to not like you before you even get on the stage. There’s very little you can do to change that. What you can do is win the rest of the audience, diminishing their chances of sabotaging your performance. We then create a cult-like atmosphere where we all chant that person’s name as we throw him into a pit full of hungry lions. I’m just kidding!
It's a ring of fire.
I think you are very good at what you do. What do you think of you?
First of all, thanks for that! Sometimes you feel like the funniest person in the world, at other times you feel so shallow and useless. One of the biggest mistakes I made at the start was constantly seeking the audience’s approval and validation. The sooner you get that out of the way, the sooner you will be appreciated for who you truly are. That being said, please like me.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Money’s never been a big determinator of my success, but if I’m going to round it up to a number, I like looking at increments in gig fees. My first gig was a fiver, then thirty, fifty – most I’ve earned from a single show is £2000. The next challenge is to cash in a £5000 check. I’ll let you know when that happens!
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
You always need a bit of luck! My break came when a BBC commissioner spotted me at a competition, and I landed my first TV gig.
Even then, I didn’t expect much, but the video went on to become their most watched reel for the month, gathering seven million views and I ended up going on a tour in my home country, getting recognized on the train in London and getting pictures taken.
It's important to embrace it when it happens, but also to let it go once the moment has passed. Stay humble!
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 third category?
I’m a golfer – there’s no point in agonizing over a new joke that doesn’t work or hate yourself because the show wasn’t “perfect”. The important thing is that you love yourself and remember why you started in the first place!
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
At the minute, I really find Nikola Jokic endearing. He is a three-time NBA MVP (most valuable player), yet he prioritizes family and his love for horses over basketball. I like that he doesn’t believe his own hype. It’s so refreshing to see someone behave in an authentic way, instead of acting like a “brand”.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not?
When I’m in a rush and I need to find something quick, it really pays off to have put the work in the night before, placing everything in a neat, tidy way. That being said, my drawers are messy.
Vlad Ilich’s ‘Vladislav, Baby Don’t Hurt Me’ is at the Pleasance Courtyard – Attic @ 8.30pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
PHOTO CREDIT - STEVE ULLATHORNE
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