New Zealand-born stand-up Jarred Christmas is a veritable comedy firecracker onstage, shooting out hilarious ideas in all sorts of different directions. He has picked up numerous awards since relocating to the UK and has become one of the circuit's most in-demand comperes. This weekend however, he is putting his compering boots away for a night to perform as one of the guests at the first-ever Knebworth Comedy Festival. Christmas is part of a particularly tasty bill on Saturday, November 10 topped by Rhod Gilbert and also featuring Angela Barnes. The weekend also includes a big show on Friday, November 9, with Greg Davies, Britain's Got Talent star Daliso Chaponda and Jen Brister. There are also separate shows featuring Mark Steel and The Impro All-Stars. Truly something for all tastes. Read more about Christmas below and you may learn not to do particular things close to electric fences.
The Knebworth Comedy Festival is on November 9 & 10. Buy tickets here. For more information about the Knebworth Winter Festival click 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)?
I do a weird lip and tongue warm up I picked up from an old Slovenian guy in 1996. His name was Zvezdana and he played the piccolo for Royalty.
2. What irritates you?
When you open a cereal packet and the little tab bit that is designed to tuck into that slot bit to reseal the packet, you know that bit, it always rips doesn’t it?, on initial finger slide underneath to open it? That irritates the pants off of me.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I once pissed on an electric fence. I had a swollen willy for a week. It was sensitive but impressive... and red.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
See above.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
Comedians. Just how goddam unique and creative a lot of comedians are on the UK scene. I learnt very early on in my career that you can do what the hell you want on stage as long as its funny. Spencer Jones is a case in point. But equally hilarious but completely different is Andrew Bird who smashes the heck out of gigs. You get the full spectrum of comedy here. Which is exciting and inspiring. Go see live comedy and get your own little surprise.
Interview continues here.
