If you look up Comedian's Comedian in a decent dictionary you will probably see a picture of Andrew Maxwell (the one here is by Richard Hardcastle). The Irish stand-up is one of our finest performers. Quite why he is not a much bigger star is one of life's great mysteries. Over the years this London-based clown-for-hire has delivered top quality personal shows, top quality poilitical shows, he has compered gigs, MC'd competitions...basically just stick Maxwell on the stage and you know the audience is going to have a grand old time. He comes to London off the back of another successful Edinburgh Fringe with his latest show Yo Contraire! in which he combines his ear for a deliciously funny phrase with his insights into the current state of the planet. Never dull, always funny, just get off your collective arses and go and see him at the Soho Theatre from November 17 - 21. Have a read of this lovely interview below then book your tickets here. Oh and he's also one of the brains behind the brilliant Altitude Festival. Find out more about that here.
2019 Update: Andrew Maxwell is on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
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)?
I always have one last tinkle then just as my name is called, have a chuckle to myself about the daftness of it all.
What irritates you?
I loathe littering. If you'd ruin a hedge with your poxy Coke can, what would you be capable of if the shit really went down?
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I've been in all sorts of scrapes through the years, but giving your heart to another is the most dangerous thing a man can do. Be brave.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Stand-up. No matter how big you get, the whole thing is stoopy.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
That the game has just got bigger and bigger. When we started Altitude ten years ago, we didn't imagine stand up would become Arena sized all across Europe
Interview continues here.
