Jim Tavaré
Jim Tavare has been called the 'Tommy Cooper of his generation'. Armed with a double base, his unique brand of humour has landed him appearances on no less than three Royal Variety Performances and numerous TV appearances. His own series on Channel 5 was nominated for a Montreaux Golden Rose award in 1999.
What's your favourite comedy venue?
Up the Creek. It doesn't reek of corporate cocksucking. It is funky, it has Malcom Hardy it has a strong local comedy fan base, but above all it has a history. It's where I started out when it was called The Tunnel Club. Every Sunday night they had this segment in the show called 'Get Jim Tavaré Off In Under Two Minutes' It was the most soul-destroying character building paradox anywhere. Problem was when I started surviving the two minute threshold I wasn't asked back. My other favourite venue is Highgrove with Prince Charles as the audience, but it isn't a regular gig. He summoned me to do his Christmas party after seeing me gig the Royal Variety Show. I recently performed in New Zealand where the PR blurb billed me as 'The Princes Pick'. I think they missed an 'R' out somewhere.
Favourite comedian?
My favourite comedian without any doubt is Steven Wright from Boston. He blows me away. The British press said of his last show that after half an hour it tires because he doesn't use performance skills. He doesn't have to. It is pure fuckin' gemstone... "I broke both my arms trying to hold open a revolving door for a woman"
Steven Wright is genius. Eddie Izzard is marketing.
First gig, what was it like?
First gig I ever did was supporting a band called The Macc Lads. I am from Macclesfield, you see. It was tough. I was warned not to worry cos the beer mugs that they throw at you are made of plastic. After waiting backstage to make my debut I was introduced by the lead singer as 'The lad with Spunk Dripping Out Of His Arse'
The second gig I did was lunchtime at The Gorton Working Mens Club. They sat on long tables and were all eating. The club secretary told me that before performing in their club I would have to pay five pounds and join the Variety Artists Federation. I walked on stage and said "I am from Macclesfield. Anyone know it?"
They said "We do son". And that was it. No laughs, nothing. The club secretary came up to me after the gig and said "Your application to the Variety Artist's Federation has been denied "
She handed my fiver back.
Biggest on-stage cock-up?
Biggest on stage cock-up was where I was doing this impression on my double bass of a man sawing wooden leg off. I am bowing at the strings creating a sawing-wood sound effect when a guy in the front row takes off his prosthetic leg and plonks it in front of me on the stage. Follow that.
Imaginary best comedy line-up? (i.e. famous people who are NOT comedians but should be)
Ken Livingstone is quite a funny bloke. I did an after dinner cabaret with him and I was impressed by his delivery. He opened his speech with "Evening Comrades"
I would have him opening a bill then I would let Saddam Hussein close the first half. Opening the second half would be Ian McGaskill who used to do the weather. I think he is charming. I'd close the show with Rolf Harris doing the music bit.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Chickens are revolting. I was once driving through France when I came across two chickens at the side of the road. Chicken one had been run over. Chicken Two was eating his mate. They don't care do they?
Plans for the future?
That is a good question. I believe if you write down on paper where you want to be in say a year chances are you will realise those plans sooner than you think. When I first became a comic I went on The Enterprise Allowance Scheme and had to submit a business plan. It was the best thing I ever did.
I am filming a BBC sketch show in June, touring Europe and trying to write.
Anything else I'd like to say?
"Hello Mum".
Jim Tavarés tour dates. |
