Meet the castle comics

 

But rather than court jesters performing, three top notch comics have been booked to perform in three venues across the castle.

 

It promises to be a cracking night, well at least according to two of the performers who we caught up with this week.

 

Tickets for the night, from 6.30-11pm, are £18. Booking is essential on 01938 551929.

 

 

 

I've never gigged in a castle and I've hardly been to any castles, so I'm really looking forward to it. I love old and derelict buildings of any kind, especially ones steeped in history, and I've got a bit of a thing for velvet, so I can't see this going wrong.

Do you enjoy gigging in non traditional locations?

 

I do, as long as the audience is there for comedy. I've done gigs in launderettes and in people's kitchens which have been great fun, but I wouldn't want to pitch up in an art gallery when they weren't expecting me and try to perform songs about medieval princes while they're impatiently trying to peer round me at the Monets.

What’s been your favourite gig?

 

My favourite recent gig was Oxford Fire Station where I did a tour show, because they were lovely and bright but also confident laughers. I also love Green Man and Machynlleth festivals.  

How long have you been doing comedy?

 

Ten years in October. Yes, I've survived horrendous deaths at Loughborough University, Northampton Picturedrome and Edinburgh Festival, where I got paid to leave the stage, but somehow I'm still here.

 

 

Riber Castle in Matlock, partly because it is in my home town, and also because I've hardly been to any castles. However I think it is being turned into flats which, if true, is very sad.

Is Welsh humour different to English humour?

 

I don't think so. Welsh people are really cool and chilled out. I love Wales and I love England. I'll do a song in Welsh at the castle to prove it.

 

 

 

No, although family holidays were centred round castles as a kid, because as a little boy I was so into history, so for me it's a dream come true

 

 

Absolutely! It's always good to do stuff out of your comfort zone, although I draw the line at gigging on quicksand, or in a burning building

 

 

I supported Stephen Merchant at the Hammersmith Apollo, that was great. Although nothing beats the buzz of my first ever gig!

 

 

Since 2005, officially. Since 1980, if you ask my mum!

 

 

I like the inner bailey and defensive features of Beaumaris Castle. I bet you weren't expecting that!

 

 

There are differences, however slight, and the references are obviously different. But not so different that Welsh comics can't be successful in England, and vice versa. There are plenty of regional differences in English humour. I would tailor my material differently if I was in Aberystwyth as opposed to Manchester, but not radically.