Asperger's Are Us
Published: Tuesday 4th June 2019
One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. Or, this week, funny people.
Making a welcome state visit to the UK soon are Asperger's Are Us, whose tour should be a lot less contentious than certain other transatlantic arrivals we could mention. There will almost certainly be at least one less lawnmower-created bit of wanger-shaped field art when their plane lands.
AAU - aka Noah Britton, Jack Hanke, Ethan Finlan and New Michael Ingemi - are a force for good in a divided world. The Massachusetts-based sketch troupe celebrate their 10th anniversary next year, and are the subject of a new HBO documentary series, On Tour with Asperger's Are Us, as well as an eponymous Netflix film, both made in cahoots with the brilliant Duplass Brothers.
It's a European tour, in fact, as the chaps will hit Trondheim and Berlin before the UK leg kicks off on June 17, in downtown Colchester. Let's get that red carpet unfurled then: Asperger's Are Us, your Random 8 await.
What's the greatest thing you ever ate?
13 years ago we went to a furniture store/theme park that had a sculpture made of glued-together jellybeans. Jack ate several of these very old jellybeans covered in glue. It was the peak of his miserable existence.
Do you have a favourite shop?
Our favourite shop is Sainsbury's. That's why we're touring the UK again, because we're so sad they don't exist in the US. But we've never gone in one, because they always say 'never meet your heroes.'
What's the best thing in your wardrobe?
Noah: I bought a FUBU Harlem Globetrotters dress on eBay for $8 in 2006 after searching for Harlem Globetrotters merch because I was perseverating on them so much after realising they've only lost one game.
I had changed my name to Harlem Globetrotters and when I ordered a size 16, assumed I'd need to let it out a bit, but by total luck it fit perfectly. I once wore it down my street and some little kids asked if I was on the Harlem Rockets and when I pointed to the GLOBETROTTERS they were amazed as I walked off.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
It was Jack Smith. Sadly, we can't recall anything about him. Ethan says he thinks he had brown eyes.
How do you feel about cats?
We wouldn't suck their brains out, wrap them in bandages, and bury them in tombs alongside pharaohs, but we respect your quaint British traditions.
What's the best TV show most people have people have never seen?
The best TV show you've ever seen is On Tour With Aspergers Are Us, which is only on HBO and not Sky Atlantic. Or Police Squad, the inspiration for Naked Gun.
Which random celebrity should be America's next president?
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor the 2nd.
What's the greatest invention, ever?
The time machine will always be the best invention ever.
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