Jonny Pelham’s new stand up show ‘Just Shout Louder’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Balcony for the month of August so we asked him some quick fire questions to get to know him a little better.
Jonny Pelham
Please tell us about your brand of comedy.
I don't really know what my brand of comedy is. I guess I usually tell personal stories. This year I have tried to place my own story within a wider socio-political narrative, which hopefully give it more depth.
What can audiences expect from your new show?
The audience can expect to laugh and to think a bit but mainly laugh.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence since you decided this was your path?
I really like the storytelling style of Mike Birbiglia. I think he is fantastic.
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
I am a big fan of someone running for and missing a bus. A classic for a reason.
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
My worst moment on stage was in Liverpool. I was dying on my arse at a Christmas gig and for some reason decided to tell a joke about my mum who is a therapist used to treat non-offending paedophiles. The premise of the joke is that as a kid she told me that no one chooses to be sexually attracted to kids and that meant that I grew up worried I might become a paedophile. Anyway due to a combination of my lack of clarity and their alcohol drinking, a crowd of people thought I was saying that I was a paedophile. I was only about 10 mins into a 20 in set but I took the executive decision that if a percentage of the crowd think that you are a paedophile you probably won't be able to win them around and left.
My best moments are just being able to perform in front of lots of people on a daily basis.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
It depends on the gig. I think nerves can actually be very helpful in making sure that you are sharp.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
Edinburgh is just a platform to be creative and take risks in an environment where that is supported and encouraged.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
I saw Sophie Willan's show last year and thought it was really brilliant. I will be interested to see what she does this year.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
My advice would be not to really listen to advice. Do what you think is funny and it will probably be okay.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
At last years Edinburgh a man's phone went off halfway through my show he said don't worry that is just my alarm to remind me to leave, stood up, said before he left he wanted to give me something, walked on stage handed me a blank postcard with a topless James Bond on the front and then left. I mean fair play to him that is a heckle.
What is next for you?
The next big thing for me is Edinburgh and then I will see what other opportunities come from there.
Jonny Pelham’s new stand up show ‘Just Shout Louder’ will be at the Gilded Balloon Balcony for the month of August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Tagged in Edinburgh Festival Fringe