Tony Law interview
Published: Wednesday 6th February 2013
Alberta's best-kept secret is rapidly becoming a British national treasure. We sent Tony Law a few questions re his upcoming Soho Theatre run and eagerly awaited his musings. This is them:
Tony, it's lovely to have you in the UK. When and why did you decide to move here?
It just sort of happened. I came long before comedy and one thing led to the next and I was already living here when I decided to do comedy. I came to look around and travel. I was a boy.
Has your comedy ripened like a fine cheese, or have the nation's comedy tastebuds matured recently?
Probably both. Though I have made better decisions and worked harder the last few years.
Could you talk us through your day at Have I Got News for You?
Really lovely. Everyone was super polite and fun. Especially Paul and Ian. Made me very welcome. Said don't prep ANYTHING just read the papers. Nice bit of food couple of beers after. I liked it a lot.
How would you rate your performance on there? Did they cut out any golden Tony moments?
Uhm. As a first go I'd say good. I could do a lot better next time. Was a little nervy. You always lose some things in the edit though if it's out of context. You learn, right.
You made a fine King Arthur in those ads. What's the best thing about being a medieval king?
Channelling Richard Burton and Ollie Reed. Getting to dress up everyday for a week. I was more Roman in my head.
Could you talk us through your Soho Theatre show?
I wish I could. Erm. A lot of nonsense with a heart underneath.
You've done HIGNFY and Buzzcocks - any other British TV institutions you're keen on?
I'm back on 8 Out Of 10 Cats soon. QI looks really fun though.
If you were trapped on a remote island with two other comics, who would you like them to be?
I'll be boring and say loads. Almost all the ones I know are good company. I'd make my wife call herself a comic and choose her. She is funnier than me anyways.
I hear you have a few pilots on the go - can you give us some hints about them?
Oh really? Erm. Things aren't anything until they're made. So... No. Fuck off.
That skin-tight outfit you wore in Edinburgh a few years back: were you concerned that it might be too much raw sexuality for the audience?
ALWAYS a concern. Still have it. I try to have a new outfit each show. Evolving. Into what, I dunno.
'Tony Law: Maximum Nonsense' is at the Soho Theatre, 18th February to 2nd March, 7.30pm. www.sohotheatre.com
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