6. What do your parents think of your job?
They’re pretty happy about it. Although recently we were at the dinner table and someone asked if I was always funny; without making eye-contact or pausing for thought or stopping what they were doing, they replied, in unison, “No.” It was categorical. And news to me.
7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Being offered a gig payment of “exposure.” Can’t pay my rent with publicity, mate.
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?
1) Thank you. That is a nice thing to say. 2) Varies wildly depending on my last three gigs and self-esteem at the time.
9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I don’t really know how much I earn. I would like to earn…more?
10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
I think there is an element of luck. I’ve always said I have to work hard enough and often enough and good enough so that luck can happen to me. It still might not, but I have to keep up my end of the bargain.
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 think in life I can be a golfer, but as a comedian I’m a bit of the latter. Tried it once, but it hurt, so I stopped. Didn’t really think that one through.
12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?
I don’t know. I unanimously like butchers. Does that count?
13. Do you keep your drawers tidy?
Recently, yes. I’m disproportionately pleased with myself.
