He can be a little bit oversharing on social media, he can sound a bit like David Brent onstage, but George Rigden has something. I'm not sure exactly what it is but I like it. He combines stories with music, but when he sings songs they aren't sweet and funny. He sings at the audience, not to them. Don't be fooled by the flowers he is holding in the picture here (unless there are thorns in them), there is something a little bit disturbing about him. But in a Good Way. If you like your comedy with a dollop of dysfunction you may well like his debut show, George-ous, in which he takes a look at love and romance and tackles the subject of toxic masculinity.
George Rigden: George-ous is at Pleasance Courtyard from August 1 - 27. Tickets here.
1. 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)?
Empty my pockets of any clutter (£50 notes, love letters from adoring fans - the usual shit) and desperately try to shake the overwhelmingly anxious assumption that the audience will take everything I say and do at face value and hate me. And tune my guitar.
2. What irritates you?
The arrogance and entitlement of some comics, particularly those from privilege. Most comics at every level are lovely - kind, hard-working, humble and self-aware and they make up 99% of the circuit, so when I encounter those who aren’t it’s particularly jarring. They’re a tiny minority, but they do exist. Just be nice you cunts.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Me and my younger brother used to scrap constantly when we were growing up - I love him to bits, but we shared a room into my twenties so we knew how to get under each other’s skin and it often came to blows. On more than one occasion the violence escalated to the point that we ended up throwing our adult-sized mountain bikes at each other. I was 21.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Smoked weed on the platform at Derby Train station on my way to a gig (I’m sober now and have been since September - I know, I’m an inspiration). I was caught and reprimanded by a standard issue national rail jobsworth square and had my beloved cannabis confiscated, humiliatingly in a Bob Marley baggy, and given a cannabis warning by the British Transport Police. Still made it to my Gig though and smashed the arse off it.
Like I said, inspiration.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The kindness of strangers - before doing stand up I’d never really left Bristol except to holiday with my parents. I’ve never learned to drive so when I started out I often ended up stranded when a Gig overran and I missed the last train, and on more than one occasion an audience member has allowed me to stay at theirs with no prior warning, no questions asked. People are wonderful sometimes, but It’s incredible I’ve not been skinned and turned into a lampshade.
Interview continues here.
