The Philippine Star

CHRIS HENRY: THE FAMILY THAT LAUGHS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER

- ANTHONY SUNTAY

Yes, laughter unites people and is essential in family bonding.

That’s why my friend, producer Dilip Budhrani, who is an “expert” in comedy shows, is looking forward to his upcoming event with Chris Henry.

“We are quite excited about this upcoming show, which is on April 7, 4 p.m. at Johnny B. Good in Glorietta 3, since it is rare to have an internatio­nal kids standup comedy act, plus this is an interactiv­e show, which is why the parents are part of all the fun and silliness in the show,” says Budhrani. What more could you ask for, right? “We see a lot of acts in kids parties, but Balloonati­cs brings comedy to a whole new level as it blends standup comedy, animated and energetic performanc­e skills with a sprinkle of risqué jokes to keep the adults happy. Its like a Pixar movie come to life in a very enthusiast­ic Scotsman,” he adds.

Chris Henry calls Glasgow home, but loves to travel the world. He grew up idolizing Robin Williams, Billy Connelly, Doug Stanhope, and Bill Hicks.

He has recently performed in Australia, America, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Sweden, Scotland and England, and can’t wait to perform for the Filipino families, hoping we can all be, as he puts it, “As silly as I am!”

PHILIPPINE STAR: How long have you been in comedy?

CHRIS HENRY: I have been working in entertainm­ent since I was 18, when I started working for holiday companies, then went full time as a comedian in 2009. What got you started in this route?

I loved being on stage, but I couldn’t sing or dance, then didn’t have the patience to learn an instrument or practice

magic, so I survived on the silly thoughts in my head. What is your inspiratio­n when crafting your material?

My life is the biggest source of inspiratio­n, although Balloonati­cs was inspired by my brothers’ kids. I wanted to write a comedy show that they could come along to. What can people look forward to during the show?

Balloonati­cs is a comedy show for families with the simple message that you don’t have to be good at something for it to be fun. You can expect lots of silliness and balloon buffoonery. In your personal life, are you as funny as you are in your shows?

I have a lot of energy, which can get annoying for people around me when I have been on stage for a while, thankfully I am very busy these days, so I get most of it out on stage to let me act like a normal human the rest of the time.

*** For tickets and inquires, call 0920-9717055 or 0917-570-3057.

Follow me on twitter and Instagram @ anthonysun­tay, and like my Facebook page: Anthony Suntay.

 ??  ?? Blown away: Balloonati­c comedian Chris Henry
Blown away: Balloonati­c comedian Chris Henry
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