After 20 years, Silky reveals his real name interview

You might not have heard of comedian and club promoter Paul White even though he's been working in comedy for decades. How comes? Well, until recently he was known by just his stage name: Silky. However, he's now 're-branding' as Paul 'Silky' White. Let's find out more...

You've been a comedian and promoter for over 20 years, so why change your name now?

Well, because if you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting. I'm working very differently now: I've really loved my time on the circuit, but there's something more satisfying about getting audiences to come to see me and build my own following.

God, it sounds dry so far, doesn't it? I should just come clean and answer honestly "mid-range megalomania". Alongside the solo comedy touring show, I'm doing a lot more music, both funny and serious, and thought it was time for a change. I've got a couple of new music albums being tested on human guinea pigs as we speak...

Where did the name 'Silky' come from in the first place?

I used to have a ponytail, a long and lustrous shimmering thing of unutterable beauty. Combine that with a run of luck with ladies in my first week of University just before I started gigging as a comedian, and you have the sordid beginnings. I should add, I now set great store by fidelity, and am also bald as a coot. Perhaps there's something in this karma lark, after all.

Is it odd to be revealing your real name after all this time? Do you feel like Clarke Kent when Lois Lane discovers his alter ego?

I won't lie, it is. I used to be able to keep 'work' and home very separate by having different names, but taking off my glasses didn't work as a disguise. I used to be cagey about telling people my real name as it felt like I had a bit of privacy, but now I've realised no-one cares either way. Stalk away.

Ha ha. What are the practical implications of this name 'evolution'?

My autograph takes much longer to practice for the day an adoring fan demands it. That and I've got two Twitter accounts now. One for me, and one for the Kill For A Seat comedy clubs.

It also means that people who've been seeing me at gigs for decades come up to me at gigs and say they realised they've never actually known I had a proper human name.

You're good friends with Ian Boldsworth, who recently dropped his 'Ray Peacock' performing name. Is there something in the Yorkshire air?

I wouldn't know about the Yorkshire air: He's from St Helens, and lives in the Midlands.

His podcasts are wonderful, and he's got another one coming out shortly that'll be the envy of all other podcasters again, I've no doubt. I've always loved radio, especially Radio 4, but the rise of podcasting has meant there's even more great stuff to listen to, which means there's even more distraction from making things. So much distraction. That said, I'm now working on my own podcast project now as well.

What does the future hold for Paul 'Silky' White?

If I knew that, I wouldn't be making people laugh. I'd be ruling benignly over an equitable society. I do have exciting new management: Michelle Singer at Kosher Bacon Management has decided that I'm worth hitching her star to, and I am trying not to disappoint. She cries when she is hungry.

Where can audiences see Paul 'Silky' White perform?

Well, I'm starting out with the areas where I've built audiences previously, and spreading the ripples out from there. Yorkshire, North Wales, Scotland's central belt. I also dance around the house on my way to the shower, and am none too fussy about closing the curtains.

Keep up with Paul's movements via Twitter: @paulsilkywhite