Lancastrian James Meehan is something of a comedy all-rounder. But in a good way. You may have seen him as Jim the Elf in the award-winning subversive kids show Funz and Gamez. Or you may have seen him in sketch group Gein's Family Giftshop. However, he left the group last year and has just released his solo show online. Watch it here. He is also turning comedy promoter and launches a new regular club, The Great Comedy Invasion, on Feb 4th at The Albany in London. The idea is to give acts not from London the chance to showcase their talents in the capital. The opening night features Edinbiurgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Chris Washington, Adam Rowe, Delightful Sausage (see below) plus Steff Todd, Evan Demarai and James Meehan. Tickets here. Bring your own gravy
Picture: Marta Julve Photography
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’ll check that my stopwatch is at zero, then have a last look over the room to make sure I’m going into the gig with the right head on- A private party might require me to be a bit more traditional, whereas an arts centre would probably let me do jokes about time travel.
2. What irritates you?
That there isn’t more TV and radio made outside of London. That most chippys can’t make good gravy.
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
When I was 8 I stood too close to a friend when we were playing golf on a school field. Got smacked square in the face and have a nifty permanent scar as a reminder. If it was 1cm higher I’d only have one eye.
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
When I first met my girlfriends parents we all got pissed and decided to do karaoke. I was asked to do a duet with my girlfriend’s mum, I picked the song ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ completely oblivious to the overtly sexual lyrics. I think the moment that I started panicking was when I told her that her lips looked so delicious.
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
Firstly, that I’m able to have a career in comedy. It’s easy to forget just how nice this job is when comparing it to others, we’re all stealing a living.
Secondly, how different the comedy circuit is to the comedy industry. The circuit is very much a meritocracy, if you’re good you get work. The industry is only that to extent. As someone who’s been lucky enough to make some TV and radio it’s definitely a case of who you know as well as what you know.
Interview continues here.
