Wednesday 27 January 2016

12 Questions For... Al Pitcher

Al Pitcher is the award winning Kiwi who Zoo magazine say is the UK's 6th best comedian.


Superbad Magazine: What 5 words do you think most accurately describe your personality?

Al Pitcher: "Humble, modest, shy, insecure, Amazing."

Superbad:  If you could have a dinner party / drinking session with any comedians (from past or present) who would you invite round to your house?

Al: "I would invite Tommy Cooper because he makes me cry with laughter. It would only be him and I, it would go for days. I am not a magic fan , but his nonsense his just the greatest thing."

Superbad: What do you hate most about your life right now - are there any things that must change?

Al: "I do all my shows in Sweden , its a brilliant country but its also a BIG country , so the travel can be a pain. Although any comedian who complains about life,"the job" can piss off. Its an incredible thing doing this, I am a jokes sales person , I am going door to door trying to make people laugh. Its a wonderful life."

Superbad: Which comedy films have you re-watched the most times? Are there any films you know every line from?

Al: "I envy those gifted folk who can recite complete movies. I loved Life of Brian, I think it is actually genius and genius is said way too often. I think it shows the bonkers world in which we live in with religion. It’s fantastic. Not a comedy as such but I loved Kes, I was born up north in England so I know that world a bit. The football match scene. Brilliant."

Superbad: What's the best thing about New Zealand?

Al: "The people, of course its beautiful , but the folk maketh the land. It can be very strange to walk into a shop and the person greets you with "good morning, having a good day." You look around to see if its a candid camera show. But I only realise how beautiful the place is , now that I live miles away."

Superbad: Would you make a good president/prime minister - how would you sort out the current situation in Syria?

Al: "Mate, I don't have the answers. I don't know what we can do. I know violence against violence never works on any level. I can see that the oil and big money is involved. But I also see the people of Syria running away from it all , how can we not help them ? They have nothing, they don't want to leave , but they have to. We have to step up as individuals and help. Also I would be a Donald Trump kind of Politician, a complete fool. How the shit is he getting a chance?"

Superbad: What can you cook? Are you good in the kitchen?

Al: "I have an amazing talent in the kitchen , I just seem to get in the way. I do fresh pasta (from a packet, I’m not an idiot) my son calls it "rump pasta", rump means arse. It’s an awkward shopping visit. I actually played Gordon Ramsay in a TV sketch in Sweden, it was such a release of energy, just shouting and throwing shit."

Superbad: What was the last album you bought or downloaded?

Al: "I have a streaming subscription so sadly that buzz of getting the album (I am old enough) or the C.D has gone. It’s sad that we don’t have that anymore . My first Album was David Bowie - Lets Dance , Bowie fans tell me it’s one of his bad ones. I still love it. I think my latest album was by The National, that guy could sing me to sleep each night with his soothing tone, might be awkward for my marriage."

Superbad: What's the punch line of your favourite joke?

Al: "My own joke is: “you shot a dolphin Barry " (about NZ navy in a tug boat going to the middle east to sort it all out). My favourite joke end is: "So yeah...shhh. .. Here they come now". All said as someone enters the room, it’s a classic."

Superbad: "Have you ever had a religious experience?

Al: "No not religious , I had a bizarre moment at school , we had priests and Brothers teaching us at a catholic school, one day an earthquake hit, the first shake was greeted by Brother Thorpe as its ok, no panic , stay calm. Then the 2nd shake was loads bigger and Brother Thorpe as he is ducking under his table he shouts "this is FUCKEN huge, for Fucks sake , get under the desks you little assholes ". We didn't love."

Superbad: What advice would you give to a young stand-up comic that's just starting out?

Al: "Remember all your stories, all your life moments. Those are the ones that separate you from anyone else. And don't be a Dick."

For more info on Al: visit: http://www.alpitcher.com

Drawing of Al by Adrian R. Shaw

Tuesday 26 January 2016

Happy Birthday John Cooper Clarke

MEA COOPER
A birthday tribute to John Cooper Clarke 
by The Other Paul Hamilton



No biz like showbiz, nothing like a dame
Run out of his walk-in wardrobe, exclaiming, “Every suit’s the same!”
‘Cooper’ is a pendant, hanging resplendent from the middle of his name
Game, Johnny Clarke

3-D visionary, shaded stereo, monotone drone
Muscle memory throbbing ‘neath skin and Gandhian bone
A bankrupt’s poor company but a schizophrenic’s never alone
Phone Johnny Clarke

Comedy, poetry, that rare hotchpotch
His style guru directed Matthau in ‘Kotch’
Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch
Has got Johnny Clarke

Toe-to-napper dapper, the chap of purest cheek
From Manning’s town to Canning Town, his wit’s a blitzing streak
A one-man band playing one-night stands, no “He’s here all week”
Seek Johnny Clarke

Gun at his temple, world at this feet
But no show anywhere is considered complete
Until some throwback sad sack calls for ‘Beasley Street’
Sweet Johnny Clarke

Cultural references shorn of their blubber
There lies the rubber, nightclubber, Tony Gubba, ‘Son Of Flubber’
Moving off-stage, still on-form, gin-downer, ciggie-stubber
Hubba hubba, Johnny Clarke

The Bard of Salford's "Anthologia" is available from: amazon.co.uk