MY LIFE ARTHUR STRONG

From his breakthrough Edinburgh Fringe show Forgotten Egypt in 2002 to talking about himself in 2022, comedian Count Arthur Strong is set to embark on a 20th anniversary tour across the country, visiting Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre on Sunday May 22. Tickets are available at aberdeenperformingarts.com Picture courtesy of Andy Hollingworth Archive.

First record bought?

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window, by The Beverly Sisters.

Book that changed your life?

Mr Pink-Whistle Interferes, by Enid Blyton.

Most expensive purchase? A cup of coffee on a train.

First job?

Delivering newspapers. And I didn’t throw them in the garden like some of them did.

Favourite time of day?

8pm. Because that’s the time I walk out before an expectant audience at a theatre near you.

Last time you cried?

When I watched Bridge Over The River Kwai last Sunday. I still haven’t been paid for that!

Worst fashion faux pas?

I did once open the door to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, wearing no trousers.

Biggest phobia?

I don’t like answering questions.

Favourite movie?

I quite liked the one with the Volkswagen in it that was quite naughty.

Best advice you’ve been given?

“I would advise against picking that up”, because it stopped me picking something up that I would have regretted later.

Who you last spoke to on the phone?

My agent, Larry Trafalgar.

First thing you did this morning?

Opened either my right or left eye. I can’t remember which.

Worst mistake?

Agreeing to do this for nothing because it’s much more work than I thought it was.

Your inspiration?

The legendary and now, sadly, late Barry Cryer. An inspiration to many.

You would most like to meet?

Jimmy Clitheroe. He still owes me £1.80. I think he’s avoiding me.

Weirdest fan gift (or present you’ve received)?

A pound of mincemeat.

Quirky habits?

Turning other people’s collars down on their jackets and coats.

What makes you laugh?

I quite like seeing people trip up. Or walk into lampposts.

Most embarrassing moment?

Yet to come. It could possibly be when this comes out. Watch this space.

Sean Connery or Daniel Craig?

Sean Connery or Craig Daniel what – it seems to me that you haven’t thought this question through.

Beauty is?

Only half as clever as it thinks it is. Thank you. I’m here all week...

Count Arthur Strong was an admirer of the late Barry Cryer.