A quick fire interview with funny man Josh Howie ahead of his Messed Up tour's pit stop at Crawley Theatre
- How did you get in to writing/comedy?
I used to be the proverbial ‘funny’ guy, with friends telling me I should try standup. Then I tried it and they were right, onstage I was really funny! Unfortunately it’s had the bizarre side effect where in real life I’m no longer funny. As this answer attests.
- What would you say are your major comedic influences?
Woody Allen, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock. You know, basically all the Jews.
- You presented Movie Geeks for a while, what’s your favourite genre of film?
Thanks for reminding me of the one time in my life I had my own TV show and was financially solvent! Thanks A LOT. Very sensitive. Jesus. 70s Americana Arthouse. As long as that is indeed a thing.
- Top 3 films ever made and why?
Well there are my actual top 3 films and then the top 3 films I tell people to sound clever and cultured so they’ll sleep with me. Although that tactic no longer works with my wife.
Pretentious top 3: Harold and Maude. Network. Five Easy Pieces.
Real top 3: Annie Hall. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Blues Brothers. (Because I can and have watched them hundreds of times)
- Worst 3 films ever made and why?
Titanic. Titanic. Titanic. Because of it’s undeserved acclaim and success. Which is something I hate. Especially as it's never happened to me.
- How do you deal with pre-show nerves?
After fifteen years of doing this I no longer get nervous. I still do get preshow multiple wees though. I don’t like to perform with any liquid inside my body. It’s because when I perform the more animated sections I hate the audience hearing me slosh.
- A lot of your material revolves around your own personal experiences, do you find the process of comedy cathartic?
Performing comedy to an audience is definitely better than a therapist. It’s a lot cheaper. And I don’t cry. Much.
- What do you see as the role of comics in society?
I think it’s up to comedians to point out the flaws and hypocrisies in our institutions and way of life, all the while trying to get a massive DVD deal.
- You’ve travelled around a lot with your gigging, what are some of your favourite countries to perform in and do you notice a difference in audiences from nation to nation?
I’ve been privileged to gig all over the world and it’s amazing how what’s funny in the UK will get exactly the same laugh in the middle east or Germany or the US. Although interestingly, different nations do throw different types of fruit.
- What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen whilst touring?
Hull.
- What’s the worst reaction you’ve ever got to a joke/set?
Let’s see how that Hull joke goes down.
- Favourite joke?
All of my own.
- Funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Marriage.
- If you could choose any super power, what would it be?
I wish I could be authentic.
- If you could fill a swimming pool with anything in the world, what would you fill it with?
World peace?
- What can we look forward to from your gig at Crawley?
World peace?
Josh Howie is at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley on February 17, for tickets visit parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
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