Flow out
Comedian another Star-Times columnist, on who’s worth a look.
Rhythm Stick with splendid United Kingdom band The Blockheads, having sporadically stepped in as frontman following the death of his mate, Ian Dury, in 2000.
‘‘Actually, I’ve got so many other things on the go that stand-up sometimes doesn’t get a look in. I just spent 18 months playing The Baron in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. So coming back to stand-up is something I’m really looking forward to.’’
Yes, and I imagine the pay packet’s attractive, too, given that stand-up is big business in the UK these days.
One-off shows by the nation’s most hilarious command similar-sized audiences to big rock acts.
Mid-range comedians with any TV exposure tour the country, packing out theatres.
Comics who started their careers in cold little rooms above pubs, reeling off jokes to 15 punters and a resident Alsatian at under-attended comedy clubs are now coining it.
Why does Jupitus think live comedy has become such a huge drawcard in recent years?
‘‘Because it’s fun, mostly, but also because you’re doing something your audience cannot do. What the punters most admire is brain speed. You might be talking about something they have experienced, but you have the skill to take it somewhere funny faster than they could themselves.’’
Jupitus’ good mate Eddie Izzard calls it Speed Of Thought.
‘‘That’s what people are paying for. Every time you do a show, you’re getting that little bit sharper and faster. Your timing’s getting better and you’re becoming a better improviser. And everything else you’ve done feeds into that.
‘‘The fact that I used to do poetry means I play with rhythms a bit more. I spent five years acting and doing musicals, and those things also affect how I perform stand-up.’’
Jupitus never sits at a desk writing routines. His work always springs from improvisation.
‘‘Really, I have rough ideas and then sharpen them up, live on stage. TV panel shows are great for your improv skills, too. Half the time, you don’t know where an idea comes from. It just falls out of your head, man! And the more you do it, the better you get at that.’’
In the early days, before all his other career strands kicked in, Jupitus spent years getting ‘‘match fit’’ on the London comedy club circuit.
‘‘It really honed my reflexes. I’d go on stage feeling bulletproof. There’s a real confidence that comes with performing so often that nothing can faze you – not hecklers, not forgetting your train of thought, nothing! You just open your mouth and good ideas fall out, fully formed. You become completely fearless. I love that.’’
It is a career that suits his personality, he says. Jupitus has no time for that old ‘‘sad clown’’ chestnut people wheel out, the idea that inside every ranting extrovert comic lies a sensitive, damaged, often somewhat depressed introvert trying desperately to be liked by as many people as possible.
‘‘I think that’s bollocks, really. Any human being has some misery in there somewhere, whether they’re a comedian or not.
‘‘The main uniting factor with comedians is just that they’ve got a different energy level to other people. By which I mean – it’s really low. To come up with good material, we have weeks on end doing absolutely nothing.
‘‘We just sit, binge-watching box sets, watching Netflix or YouTube, to put our brains into a state of near deadness. You have to get yourself really, properly bored, you know? And then suddenly – bang! A great idea comes! But in that first stage, it’s a really hard sell, convincing your family you’re actually working.’’
The comedian’s other key skill, he reckons, is learning to manage adrenaline, especially in TV work.
‘‘You have to be able to sit back and not be too needy. If you’re just hyperalert, waiting to tell a joke, you will be crap. You need to empty your mind and just listen to what everyone else is saying and respond to that.
‘‘New people come on those shows and they say, look, write me a few jokes, and I say, no. You’re a naturally funny person; that’s why we hired you. Don’t just try and wheel out bits of your act, because it’s always really obvious. Just trust yourself and let the funny flow out.’’
Jupitus will be letting the funny flow out in Auckland in just over a week’s time. It might even be his last gig, he reckons.
‘‘I’ve never been to New Zealand before, and it occurred to me just now that I may not go there ever again. After all, live comedy is a potentially life-threatening occupation for a fat bloke like me. Imagine how much strain it puts on your heart!
‘‘Let’s not sugar coat things. I’m 54 years old and I weigh 300 pounds [136 kilograms]. Anything could happen. My opening night in New Zealand could also be my closing night in New Zealand. One gig, then goodbye, that’s it!’’
Phill Jupitus’ new show plays Auckland’s Skycity Theatre on Monday, May 1.
Juplicity Dang, I’ve become what I hate and I’ve picked my friends! These guys are going to put on a pop show and I can’t wait.
Rose Matafeo
I’ve become a parody of myself. I’m basically exclusively picking friends now but Rose is always a show I go to.
Nic Sampson
Not many people know Nic for his stand-up (he’s better known for his serious acting on the TV show The Brokenwood Mysteries, or doing Full disclosure and humble brag, I know all of these people. But here’s who to see at this year’s New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
Everyone in Snort
I’m biased but I think these are the funniest people I know and all of their shows are worth seeing. They’re also my biggest competition. So it is with great reluctance that I name them so you can buy tickets. In a particular order: Eli Matthewson, Donna Brookbanks, Rose Matafeo, Guy Montgomery, Brynley Stent, Nic Sampson, Laura Daniel, Chris Parker, Thomas Sainsbury and Hamish Parkinson.
Frickin Dangerous Bro
They do a sketch show every year and they’re obnoxiously good. I’m jealous of their talent and wish them nothing but tough times ahead.
Lana Walters and James Mustapic
They’re doing a split bill stand-up show and they’re both very funny. Too funny. I’d describe their level of funny as ‘‘suspicious’’.
Becky Lucas
Becky is from Australia, which means that she’s making enough money to come over here – so she’s at least that good. I’ve also seen her shows and as much as it pains me to say it, she deserves huge audiences.
Angella Dravid
She’s the most unique and funny storyteller I’ve maybe ever seen. You should not miss her show! It’s going to be exceptional. But also, we’re on at the same time, so don’t see her.