The Guardian (Charlottetown)

LOTS OF LAUGHS

Columnist talks with Jimmy the Janitor.

- Sally Cole Stage Door Sally Cole is an entertainm­ent writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestion­s for future columns from readers. She may be reached at sally. cole@theguardia­n.pe.ca or by phone at 902-629-6000,

It’s that time again.

It’s January and a certain Cape Breton funny man is calling me.

With his orange hat and bright blue overalls, Jimmy the Janitor has brightened the lives of Canadians for over 30 years with his colourful but clean-cut comedy style.

He’s coming to P.E.I. later this month to do shows in Summerside and Pooles Corner and he’s eager to tell me about it. Jimmy also wants to bring me up to date with everything that has happened in his life since we spoke last.

With this in mind, The Guardian asked the popular comedian (who preferred not to divulge his non- performing alter- ego) to take part in a Q&A in the form of a telephone call. He agreed, giving his responses in his usual, colourful way, which we have left totally intact in order to capture his unique voice.

Here’s how the conversati­on went:

Sally: How’s it going, Jimmy?

Jimmy: How’s she going ta yous too Sally. Thanks fer callin’ girl.

Sally: What are you up to?

Jimmy: Well, me leg is up on a chair and I gots bag a peas on me ankle, I’m jest sorta havin’ a writing stuff down day; ya know making up new laughs fer me show eh.

Sally: What happened to your ankle?

Jimmy: Playin’ hockey last night, got a puck in da ankle...all swelled up eh.

Sally: Do the peas work?

Jimmy: Oh yeah, it’s me mudder's ole time remedy for whatever ails ya b’y. Ma would say “put a bag of peas on dat b’y”... a bag of peas will make it all better.” Like a bag of peas was always the go-to fixer upper b’y, da most important vegetable in our house. Thanks, Ma.

Sally: What are you up to when you’re not rehearsing or performing on stage?

Jimmy: Partyin’ with friends, writin’ stuff down, hanging out at Tim’s, writin’ stuff down.

Sally: Where do the comedy ideas come from?

Jimmy: I git ideas everywhere­s b’y, jest watchin’ an listening ta people. Like I’m buildin’ a sketch 'bout people like me forgettin’ ta bring a bag ta da grocery store. We need huge 50-foot-wide signs outside the grocery store sayin’, did you bring yer bag stupid? Most people can relate ta dat, eh? Or a rant ‘bout my own pre-diction ta cookies. I’m not sure how many cookies it takes to be happy but…so far it’s not 27. Like today I’m workin’ on Pogey Prime, Global Warnin’, Toilet Paper Ninjas (thanks JoAnn and Valerie) and a blackmaili­n’ memory foam mattress. I jest love doin’ dis stuff b’y!

Sally: Sounds lot a lot of laughs, Jimmy. So, you are coming to P.E.I. in a few weeks?

Jimmy: Yes indeed. Wit all da tourin’, we don’t git to P.E.I. as much as I’d like eh. So I’m really happy ta be doin’ a show at da Kaylee Hall in Pooles Corner on Jan. 31 an at da Celtic Performing Arts Centre Summerside on Feb. 1. Dis will be me first visit to dese stages an I’m right excited.

Sally: How will the shows unfold?

Jimmy: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and folks often arrive and have a pop before the show. Da comedy starts at 7:30 with two, 40-minute sets. You’ll still be laughin’ when ya get home.

Sally: Why is it important for you to stay busy in the winter?

Jimmy: I work from October ta May an take da summer off the road ta write stuff down. It’s kinda what da new sketch Pogey Prime is all about. As my producer Dan said ta me, “If yer goin’ ta be off, be off in da summer b’y!" Good advice, I’d say!

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 ?? SUBMITTED PHOTO ?? Jimmy the Janitor is jumping for joy at the thought of coming to Prince Edward Island from Cape Breton for two shows later this month. He’ll perform at the Kaylee Hall at Pooles Corner on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Jimmy the Janitor is jumping for joy at the thought of coming to Prince Edward Island from Cape Breton for two shows later this month. He’ll perform at the Kaylee Hall at Pooles Corner on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m.
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