Interview with Paul Cook

Comedy Blogedy: How long have you been gigging in stand-up?

Paul Cook: I started on 25th July 2011 so about 5 months. At Scruffys, Newton Street Birmingham.

Comedy Blogedy: How would you describe your comedy?

Paul Cook: Observational, I’m lucky enough to come from the Forest of Dean, which has a lot heritage and myths which helps. And I talk with a funny accent so that helps.

Comedy Blogedy: Which comedians influence your comedy?

Paul Cook: I admire anyone who can stand on stage and entertain people. So, I don’t think there’s anyone single comedian that influences me, but saying that I like Billy Connelly, Robin Williams and Rich Hall to name a few.

Comedy Blogedy: Did you always want to go into comedy?

Paul Cook: It’s something I’ve always had ambitions to do. Being rural I’m not the quickest mover so it’s taken me ‘til I’m nearly 40 to get things going. Hopefully life experience will help.

Comedy Blogedy: How do you go about writing your material?

Paul Cook: To be honest I don’t have a set way of doing things. I always carry a pocket book round with me, but anything can trigger the grey cells. Be it, hearing something at work, walking down the street or just having a quiet few moments thinking about my childhood and the characters I’ve met along the way.

Comedy Blogedy: Do you gig as a stand-up full time or is it more of a part-time hobby? If so, do you find that your main job influences your material?

Paul Cook: At the minute it’s very much part time and a labour of love. I work for an engineering firm so you can imagine some of the things I hear and see.

Comedy Blogedy: What do you find the most enjoyable and frustrating parts of the amateur comedy circuit?

Paul Cook: The most enjoyable is just getting on stage at different venues and giving it a go – with hopefully a few giggles and a bit banter thrown in. I haven’t really got that frustrated, small audiences would be the worst thing at the moment though if I had to name one thing.

Comedy Blogedy: What’s your favourite type of audience to perform to?

Paul Cook: I’ve only done 7 gigs, however the 2 that I most enjoyed were at the Hollybush in Cradley Heath, very wacky and friendly mix of people and to students at the Secret Comedians Committee, Richmond Pub, Bristol. They were all lovely.

Comedy Blogedy: Have you been heckled a lot since you’ve started gigging? Do you enjoy being heckled? What’s the best heckle you’ve had?

Paul Cook: I got heckled quite badly at a gig in Brum. The majority of the crowd were fantastic. However one lad took it upon itself to c-bomb me. I carried on and ended up getting hugs from all his mates as I left the stage. Very bizaare. I enjoy it as long it doesn’t get to agressive, I’m there to have fun I’d hope the audience is too. As for a best heckle, the jury’s still out on that one.

Comedy Blogedy: What advice would you give to new acts thinking about starting out in comedy?

Paul Cook: I’m really new myself so would feel a bit wrong offering anyone advice. All I can say is give it a go, don’t die wondering.