Free Time

James Acaster: ‘We’re going all over the UK so you can never be too careful…’

James Acaster, interview, Key Theatre. Peterborough

James Acaster has established himself as one of the most distinctive and brilliant young comedians of his generation, already having amassed a plethora of awards and nominations. As well as his glowing stand-up career, James has made several television appearances with the likes of Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Russell Howard’s Good News. His nationwide tour hits the Key Theatre on 15 November with his newest offering, ‘Represent’. Focusing on James’s time spent on jury service for a murder trial, it is squaring up to be the must-see show of the year… 

YOUR SHOW IS CALLED REPRESENT – WHY?
Because it sounds mega gangsta and because I talk about courtroom issues in the show, and if you’re in court then you better get someone to represent you. Plus the last show was called Recognise so I thought it’d be cool to call this one Represent. So many reasons…

IS THERE ANYTHING UNUSUAL THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT WHEN TOURING?
A bow and arrow for protection. We’re going all over the UK so you can never be too careful.

LAST YEAR YOU REVEALED YOU WERE AN UNDERCOVER DETECTIVE, THIS YEAR YOU’VE BEEN ON JURY DUTY. THERE’S A DEFINITE CRIME FIGHTING THEME EMERGING HERE. SHOULD WE EXPECT THIS TO CONTINUE?
You can expect this to continue for one more show. This is the second show in a crime fighting trilogy – not that you need to have seen the first one to understand it.

I NOTICE THAT MAROON SEEMS TO BE YOUR OUTFIT COLOUR OF CHOICE FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOW. IS THERE ANY REASONING BEHIND THIS?
Yes, but you will have to do some detective work. Basically, watch the show, listen out for when I mention something being red, then go home and Google why that thing is red and you will know the answer to your question.

WE’VE BEEN SEEING MORE AND MORE OF YOU ON THE TELLY RECENTLY – HOW DOES TV WORK COMPARE TO BEING ON THE STAGE?
They are different of course and that’s what makes them fun. On TV you get to work with a lot of other comics whereas live stuff is usually just you on your own. Plus it’s OK if you eff and jeff live.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR ABILITY TO WORK A CROWD. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE KEY TO TACKLING A HECKLER?
Pepper spray.

IN YOUR SHOW YOU TALK ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN A SECRET SANTA GIFT SWAP. I WAS WONDERING, WHAT IS THE STRANGEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
I have been very lucky with Secret Santa and always get picked by the generous person who goes over the budget and buys you the best present. Non-Secret- Santa-wise, I once received a skull.

WITHOUT GIVING TOO MUCH AWAY ABOUT YOUR SHOW, IT FEATURES THE BIZARRE CUSTOM OF THE CHRISTINGLE. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER MEMORABLE, CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS?
In the Acaster house we eat avocados stuffed with prawns in a garlic mayo. And then we chase a blindfolded reindeer round the garden.

NOW FINALLY, CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMEDY IN SIX WORDS?
Just telling it like it is.

James Acaster
13 March, 8pm
Key Theatre Main House

To book, call 01733 207239
www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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