NOTTINGHAM GLEE, DECEMBER 20-22
Since winning the So You Think You’re Funny competition at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival way back in 1998, Peak District-based comedian Rob Rouse has established himself as one of the UK’s best comic storytellers. asks the questions
HIS growing number of TV credits, as both panellist and actor, include 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Celebrity Juice, the Sheridan Smith-starring Grownups, and Ben Elton’s hit Tudor sitcom, Upstart Crow, in which Rob appears as William Shakespeare’s manservant, Bottom.
Married to actress Helen Rutter (Holby City, Coronation Street), their regular Rob and Helen’s Datenight podcasts see the couple go on dates, both mundane and bizarre. He’ll be on stage at Nottingham’s Glee Club as part of their run of Christmas Specials.
Do you still look forward to Christmas?
“Of course I do! I get so excited about getting a new pair of socks and some sort of combined multi-tool and bottle opener.”
What would you like for Christmas this year?
“It really doesn’t matter, I’ll get a new pair of socks and some sort of combined multitool/ bottle opener.”
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’m in a turkey-induced coma long before Her Majesty has starts up. My wife and kids don’t eat meat, so it’s me and the dog that have to work our way through the turkey, but that’s a win-win for both of us.”
Without meaning to shame anyone, what was the worst Christmas present you’ve ever had?
“His and hers saucy Santa outfits from my girlfriend’s father. Way. Too. Weird. We’re still together though, but we’ve never worn them... He probably has, but we haven’t.”
What was the most disappointing Christmas you’ve had?
“I wouldn’t say disappointing, but when I was maybe 7 or so, my mum tripped over putting my stocking on the end of the bed and I woke up and went ‘Ahhhh! I get it!’ I also never went back to Sunday School or church after that.”
What’s your favourite festive song?
“I like The Darkness’s Don’t Let The Bells End. It’s that perfect mix of joy, Christmas bells and that slight hint of melancholy. It also nearly has a rude word in the title, so what’s not to like? What I can’t stand though is all the manipulatively over-emotional cover version songs that get released at Christmas. They make me hurl! By my reckoning, it all started in 2003 with that Gary Jules version of [Tears For Tears’] Mad World that was in Donnie Darko.
“Great film, but an awful choice for a song to release at Christmas, and it set a precedent for all those really buzz-killing miserable Christmas songs. Someone needs to put a stop to it and stick Slade on!”
Do you have a favourite Christmas film/ book/TV special?
“Vic and Bob’s Big Night In.” Have you had a good 2018? What have been some of your highlights?
“I did a play at the Edinburgh Festival with my wife this year. She wrote it [The Ladder by Helen Rutter]. A two hander, luckily I was stood by the sink while she was casting - right place right time - and landed the part. We’re working on the next one at the moment.” And what are your plans for 2019? A new touring show? More podcasts? TV? Radio? More Upstart Crow?
“I’d love to do more of all of the above ... and enjoy my new socks and work out how to use my combined multi-tool/bottle opener. Ooh, I’m also starting a comedy club in the Hope Valley [Derbyshire] where we live, bringing it to the villages! You can find us on Facebook at comedyvillagenights.”
■ Rob Rouse visits Nottingham’s The Glee Club alongside Dan Nightingale, Dana Alexander, Alistair Williams (December 20 only) and Rob Deering (December 21 and 22 only) for Christmas Comedy Special from December 20 to December 22. Tickets are £14, with extra options for meals available. More information on tickets can be found at glee.co.uk. The event is for ages 8-plus.