Spoof reporter takes inspiration from stars Coogan and Gervais
THE man behind Facebook phenomenon Jonathan Pie has revealed his irate news anchor was heavily influenced by Steve Coogan’s chat show host creation Alan Partridge.
Former actor Tom Walker, who is currently touring Australia and will take his new live show to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall this weekend, said he had also drawn inspiration from the satirical stand-up of Ben Elton and Alexi Sayle in the 1980s, despite a belief from younger fans that his brand of comedy is new.
His latest show delves into political correctness, social media and the changing ways in which the public consume news which many believe has led to an ‘ echo chamber,’ shrinkage of political belief systems and ideas.
Walker, 39, says the character was born as a result of his acting career taking a nosedive, rather than any latent journalist ambitions and says he was, “amazed” at how well it was received online.
His video on the Trump election result went viral, receiving around 120million views.
He said: “No-one was giving me any parts so I thought, I’ll create my own and that’s how Pie was born. The politics was secondary really. It was more about people having a public and private persona and it’s a quick way of telling that.
“But once I did, I knew it was an opportunity and some doors opened for me that weekend I had the viral hit. It was probably the most viewed commentary anywhere on the Trump election.
“Most of the older generation remember Ben Elton and Alexi Sayle, screaming at the Tories and I was very much influenced by Alan Partridge.
“You can’t not say they are comparable. I’ve grown up with Partridge since I was a teenage boy and also Ricky Gervais, I think he’s wonderful. The younger generation think what I’m doing is brand new, which it’s not.” Jonathan Pie, Back to the Studio, is at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Sunday, For tickets go to www.glasgow concerthalls.com