‘Christmas shows have a special kind of energy’
ACHRISTMAS Comedy Special – the Glee Club is serving up Andy Robinson, alongside Scott Agnew, Fin Taylor, and Allyson Smith for a “few jolly evenings” from Thursday, until Saturday, December 21.
Andy, winner of an aspiring new comedians competition at Glastonbury Festival in the 1990s, has gone on to establish himself as one of the UK comedy circuit’s finest comperes as well as opening for the likes of Sean Lock, Rich Hall, Rhod Gilbert, Paddy McGuiness and Jo Brand. Here’s what he had to say...
Do you still look forward to Christmas?
Yeah, it’s a busy time of year for working, with a special kind of energy in the gigs. I suppose you could swap the word “special” with “drunken.” They can often be great shows though.
What would you like for Christmas this year?
I was really hoping for a night’s worth of television scheduling where the divides of the country are revealed. Luckily with the election all my wishes have been realised.
Are you a traditionalist when it comes to
Christmas? Do you go for the garishly decorated tree, mince pies, turkey with all the trimmings, the Queen’s speech … ?
I swap and change about depending what state of mind I am in. I suppose you could say I identify as “Xmas fluid”.
What’s been your most memorable Christmas?
My nephew once had a new bicycle as a gift, and I remember he was so delighted with it, he sat at the dinner table to eat perched on the saddle.
What’s been the most disappointing Christmas you’ve experienced?
I remember, due to time issues, one year I was obliged to sort out my taxes on Christmas Day. I recall going through receipts while Britney Spears was singing Born To Make You Happy on Top Of The Pops. That was pretty grim.
What’s your favourite festive song, and why?
It’s not Born To Make You Happy. There’s so many. People are often disappointed with the same old song, year in and out, playing in the shops and that. I’m recommending you search for others if you’re sick to the back teeth. There’s a cynical anti-Christmassy song on Robbie Williams’ new album [The Christmas Present] called Not Christmas that starts with the lines “What if I don’t come, what if I die, what if I ruin Christmas night again?”. I’m enjoying this year.
Do you have a favourite Christmas book or TV special?
My favourite Christmas book is the Argos catalogue. TV? I’m looking forward to the country singer Kacey Musgraves’ TV Xmas special this year. Unfortunately, it’s on Amazon Prime and I refuse to pay for it so I’ll probably peer through someone else’s window to watch it.
Have you had a good 2019? What’s been some of your highlights?
Yeah, it’s been good. Going to the Glastonbury Festival is always a highlight for me. I was at the front for most of it and Janelle Monáe stood on my leg to get in the crowd. That was a thrill... pathetic, but true. Work-wise any gig I’ve done at Nottingham’s Glee club has been a highlight, which I mainly mention to get the point of this interview back on track.
And what’s your plans for 2020?
I am going to claim the comedians’ perennial New Year’s resolution of writing better jokes ... and somehow getting hold of a ticket for Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary. If I’d written better jokes maybe I would be going. To all your readers, I’m wishing a Happy New Year. As John Lennon claimed “let’s make it a good one”.
■ Andy Robinson appears at the Glee Club, Nottingham, as part of its Christmas Comedy Specials. Tickets: glee.co.uk/ christmas/. Ticket only £14.50 Ticket and food from £26.50 plus £1.60 booking fee.