The Rarely Asked Questions series asks all comedians the same questions. The first question has particular significance in this case. Comedian Sarah Franken used to be comedian Will Franken, so he used to check his flies but now checks in case Sarah's knickers are sticking out. Franken, from Sedalia, Missouri but now UK-based, has always been an intriguing, inventive performer, slipping in and out of off-the-wall characters, with absurdist whiffs of Monty Python but also very different. I've seen few US comedians like this. In fact I've seen few comedians from anywhere like this. Go and see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Franken is at the Museum of Comedy until November 28. Tickets here. Franken is also appearing at the Megagrotto - a bumper value full day of comedy also featuring Kieran Hodgson, Michael Legge, Simon Munnery and many more all for £20 on November 21. Tickets here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies, check for spinach between teeth and check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt)?
Say two prayers to the Saxon god Oonfefe and offer a burnt offering to Nodah, chief deity of laughs. Then I spit four times through the eye of a needle, cursing myself for being a bad seamstress.
2. What irritates you?
When people exist in such a flagrant way, it almost gives you the feeling of the world being peopled by others.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Was born, for had I not done so the inevitability of death would be no forthcoming prospect.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Told a girl she was my uncle in order to get her to go to bed with me.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The number of sparrows there are in clubs, always chirping. It's like I'm in a bleeding aviary sometimes.
Interview continues here.
