Interview by: Konrad Obiora
Picture: Courtesy of Gareth Richards
Inside Comedy: What made you decide to enter the New Act of the Year competition?
Gareth Richards: I saw an ad for it on a comedy website and heard a voice in my head saying, "Gareth, why don't you enter the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition." I later found out this voice in my head was called an idea.
How did you prepare for the New Act of the Year auditions?
I spent a couple of years gigging on the comedy circuit and then got the coach to London and then the tube and then an overground train to Hackney. I was early. So I went and ate some fried chicken. I wrote out my set list a couple of times to ward off the panic that I had no memory of any comedy that I had ever thought of.
What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist and what did you do to celebrate?
I was pleased. I think I found out on Valentine's Day so I was already planning to take my wife Laura out for the evening, but that news made it a happy occasion.
How did you get started in comedy?
I first did stand-up comedy in October 2004 aboard the Wibbly Wobbly Boat in South London back when Malcolm Hardy ran it. He said, “Was that really you’re first time?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Yeah, I thought it was.”
I’ve always tried to deal with social situations by making people laugh and have always been into writing. Eventually I went to a new act night and thought “I wouldn’t be as bad as some of those people.” Then I tried it and I was, but you get better.
Who were/are your comedy influences?
The reason why I probably started doing comedy was, like lots of people, because of Bill Hicks - I'm nothing like him though. Tommy Cooper, The Goons, The Office, The Simpsons. I'm listening to Mitch Hedberg at the moment.
How long have you been doing comedy/stand-up?
Just over two years.
How would you best describe your act?
Stupid surreal jokes and stories based on true events.
What have you discovered about life as a comedian that nobody ever told you?
It's not about what you know or who you know, it's about who you don't know and whether they think you're funny. Only you can make your dreams come true. Only other people can make your dreams less lonely. If anyone asks for your mobile phone number, ask for their number as well.
What sagely advice would you give to aspiring and new comedians interested in getting into the funny business?
There's more to sage than stuffing. Have a go. When you start you'll be rubbish. If you're not, you're not doing it right. When you start to get good, give up.
The final of the New Year Act of the Year 2007 takes place on Sunday 4 March. Visit the Hackney Empire website for details.
Link
Gareth Richard's MySpace
Picture: Courtesy of Gareth Richards
Inside Comedy: What made you decide to enter the New Act of the Year competition?
Gareth Richards: I saw an ad for it on a comedy website and heard a voice in my head saying, "Gareth, why don't you enter the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition." I later found out this voice in my head was called an idea.
How did you prepare for the New Act of the Year auditions?
I spent a couple of years gigging on the comedy circuit and then got the coach to London and then the tube and then an overground train to Hackney. I was early. So I went and ate some fried chicken. I wrote out my set list a couple of times to ward off the panic that I had no memory of any comedy that I had ever thought of.
What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist and what did you do to celebrate?
I was pleased. I think I found out on Valentine's Day so I was already planning to take my wife Laura out for the evening, but that news made it a happy occasion.
How did you get started in comedy?
I first did stand-up comedy in October 2004 aboard the Wibbly Wobbly Boat in South London back when Malcolm Hardy ran it. He said, “Was that really you’re first time?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Yeah, I thought it was.”
I’ve always tried to deal with social situations by making people laugh and have always been into writing. Eventually I went to a new act night and thought “I wouldn’t be as bad as some of those people.” Then I tried it and I was, but you get better.
Who were/are your comedy influences?
The reason why I probably started doing comedy was, like lots of people, because of Bill Hicks - I'm nothing like him though. Tommy Cooper, The Goons, The Office, The Simpsons. I'm listening to Mitch Hedberg at the moment.
How long have you been doing comedy/stand-up?
Just over two years.
How would you best describe your act?
Stupid surreal jokes and stories based on true events.
What have you discovered about life as a comedian that nobody ever told you?
It's not about what you know or who you know, it's about who you don't know and whether they think you're funny. Only you can make your dreams come true. Only other people can make your dreams less lonely. If anyone asks for your mobile phone number, ask for their number as well.
What sagely advice would you give to aspiring and new comedians interested in getting into the funny business?
There's more to sage than stuffing. Have a go. When you start you'll be rubbish. If you're not, you're not doing it right. When you start to get good, give up.
The final of the New Year Act of the Year 2007 takes place on Sunday 4 March. Visit the Hackney Empire website for details.
Link
Gareth Richard's MySpace
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