Randy Feltface interview

Following a critically-acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival (where he was nominated for the main comedy award), Australian character Randy Feltface is heading to the Soho Theatre in London in November. We chat to him here:

Hi Randy. How's life for you right now?

Can't complain. I had peanut butter on sourdough toast while sitting in the sun watching an earwig playing a tiny pianola this morning, if that's any indication.

Your show had an amazing reception at the Edinburgh Festival. You must be very happy with how it was received?

I was furious. I'd gone to Edinburgh with the distinct ambition of having a disastrous season so that I could finally give up comedy and concentrate on getting a degree in horticulture.

The show's title probably gives a big clue, but what is 'Randy Writes A Novel' about?

It's a 90 minute liturgical dance piece about one man's struggle to overcome inflamed taste buds while applying for a job as a sous chef.

We've never written a book ourselves. Any tips?

Two words: Ghost. Writer.

You seem to use a typewriter to record your wise words... you've not upgraded to a computer yet?

If it was good enough for Hemingway, it's good enough for me. That's why I'm also quite fond of hunting, drinking and hiding from the FBI.

What was the first book you read? Who are your favourite authors now?

I read a lot of Roald Dahl books as a child. Now I read anything by Neil Gaiman, Tim Flannery, Patrick Rothfuss and Ann Hart Coulter.

You're currently touring in Australia, before heading to London. Are you looking forward to returning to the UK?

I'm very much looking forward to returning to the UK. Partly because I've developed an adult-sized portable humidicrib that I will be entombed within for the 23 hours a day that I'm not on stage, and partly because I left the gas on while I was there in August and should probably switch it off asap.

What do you like most and least about the UK?

Chips with salt and vinegar.

Are you aware of 'Brexit'? If so, do you have any views on the topic?

I am aware of Brexit and have several views on the topic, yes. Thank you for asking.

Well dodged. Er... delicate one, but are you aware 'Randy' also means something else in slang, at least over here in Britain?

Remember in the mid 90's when the Enid Blyton Magic Faraway Tree characters Dick and Fannie had their names changed to Rick and Frannie? For this tour I'll be changing my name to Cunt.

We imagine you have a lot of admirers. On their behalf, could we ask, what's your current relationship status?

I'm in a perpetual state of sexual disorientation.

Are you managing to stay teetotal?

I am indeed a teetotaler but I'm working on a gambling addiction, so I'm hoping to spend my post-show evenings in seedy back room poker joints losing my life savings to violent geezers with names like 'Harry the knuckle' and 'Gavin the unpalatable'.

Any plans for 2017 yet?

I plan to return to the UK with a new show after undergoing some rhinoplasty.

[i]Randy Writes A Novel is at the Soho Theatre from Monday 7th to Saturday 19th November 2016. Info & Tickets