ComedyClub  Interviews with comedians Ross Hay
Interviews, comedy, comedians, standup comedy, humour, humor, South Africa, stand-up comedians, Chris McEvoy
What's the first funny thing you remember saying?
" Hi, my name is Woss"… I couldn't pronounce my R's as a kid… my psychiatrist says I'm making progress on this though…
What drove you to choose comedy, when you could have been a mechanic or a doctor or something decent like that?
Officially, it's because I love to make people laugh… at me… if that makes sense...
What's your favourite fashion accessory?
mmm… Tough question… blue shirts… more often than not, I wear blue shirts… it's become a bit of a thing, really…
How has the way you look affected your identity as a comic?
I believe it has… my look is more "clever dick" so I tend to play to that… although "desperate for a date" is also a look which, apparently, I have perfected…
Are there things you wouldn't say on stage? Eg, any words you'd never use or subjects you'd never tackle?
Oddlly enough I don't generally swear onstage… unless I speak about Cape politicians…
Who is your major influence? And your major South African influence?
At the risk of sounding dof... Eddy Izzard is by far my greatest influence. He's brilliant. And for a SA comic that rocks, I would have to go for Riaad Moosa who, despite his speech impediment, is freakin awesome!
Is there any figure from your past that you'd like to see in your audience? What would you do to them or for them?
It would pretty damn fine if my Grade 7 English teacher, who used to pick her nose in class by the way, could be there. She send me out of class once for "adlibbing". Instead of recognizing the obvious entertainment value of my extremely intelligent and well timed comments she sent me out. Basically refusing to admit my raw talent (sniff). ...Did I mention that she would have to sit infront? Be afraid Miss Rushby (there is no way she would have got married in the last 12 years)…be very afraid…
What's lacking from South African comedy, or audiences, that it remains such a small scene?
Intelligence and awareness…some of our venues are difficult…it would be good if audiences were, firstly, much more aware of the availability of comedy as a real, incredible and viable source of good entertainment. This would help us to get into the more comedicly orientated venues that would allow us to go and have a blast infront of a truly "comedicly educated" crowd. Sheesh… I hope that made sense… I have a headache now… thanks you bastard…
Do you think all South Africans can all laugh at the same joke at the same time. What kind of joke would it be?
The best joke to laugh at, collectively, is the one about yourself… we can all very easily laugh at ourselves as a nation and culture. There are loads of things we do daily that would make people from overseas "kak" themselves.
Do you ever steal jokes?
Funny you mention that cause Van, the Pope and Nelson Mandela were in this brothel once, and…
Would you sell your material?
If someone ever approached me to buy my material I would be lank flattered…But I would struggle to sell my material unless I specifically scripted it for someone else…
Would you promise never to use it on stage again after the sale?
If I did happen to sell it, theoretically, I would promise never to use it again. But would almost definitely "forget" about that and slip the stuff in somewhere.
Which internationally renowned comic would you most like to work with? What would you do to him/her?
Er... working with Ben Stiller would be the coolest. He has awesome ideas (Meet the Parents). I would love to do a very surreal intelligent comedy thingy with him.
What's the most embarrassing death you've ever seen another comic die on stage? (names not necessary) Describe the incident, and how you felt.
I have seen a comic do an entire set of spoonerisms (mixing the first letters of words around). It was at the END of a line up and, although I dig his stuff, the audience was struggling to stay awake let alone swap the letters back. I crapped myself for this man.
Where would you like to live when you retire - if ever?
I would love to live along the West Coast somewhere. Far enough from my Mom and society not to be bothered too often but close enough to earn money and get my washing done.
How funny do you Really think you are?
How beautiful does Percy Montgomery think he is? Mmm? I'm so hilarious it's scary.
Will you matter 50 years after you're dead? Will it matter to you?
I won't matter, but the smiles on the faces of the people I've touched will. Taaadaaaa... think I'll use that the next time I'm impressing women at Bingo Night.
What's the interview question you'd most like to be asked, and what is the answer?
I would most like to be asked, after my first one man show for the CCC, "so how does it feel to get 2 encores!" I'll say: " Well Eddy, let's just say that drinks are on me…"
|
