Chris Cantrill

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 19th November 2024

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week we welcome one of comedy's dark horses, quietly racking up several Best Show nominations over the last few Edinburgh Fringes, initially as one half of The Delightful Sausage, with Amy Gledhill, but this year on his todd.

Now heading for a second run at London's Soho Theatre, Easily Swayed takes Cantrill down a more thoughtful path - so was that always the plan, or did it emerge as the show came together?

"From the offset I knew that Easily Swayed would be about the consequences of my self-imposed exile, having moved from the city to a small rural community," he explains. "As the show developed it also became clear it was about turning 40, although I resisted that for ages!"

Time waits for no man. It certainly developed well, and that Edinburgh nomination is quite the badge of honour, in the stand-up world. How did he hear about it, exactly?

"I found out about the nomination while I was on the phone with my wife, Nicola. I'd taken myself off for a solitary pace around behind Edinburgh Castle. I'd had a big chunk of the awards panel in, so I was pretty confident the show had made the longlist of nominations, and just wanted to be away from the pressure cooker for a bit.

"As the afternoon slipped away I'd convinced myself it was going no further and was telling my wife as much when I got the call! After some general disbelief my follow-up question was to ask if Amy Gledhill was also nominated. When I found out she was we met up and hid in her hotel foyer for hours."

Solid lobbying. Chris Cantrill, your Random 8 await.

Who was your childhood hero, real or imaginary?

I grew up watching Billy Pearce perform panto at the Bradford Alhambra. He's an institution in West Yorkshire and people will come out just to see him. Although he's progressed from playing Buttons to the King, he's still got the same sparkle in his eye and will routinely break his co-stars. He's a huge inspiration behind my desire to throw Amy under the bus at any opportunity.

What's the worst thing you've ever eaten?

Squirrel. A novelty purchase from an open-air foodie market. The texture was horrible and it tasted like how fox piss smells. Maybe a proper chef could do summat better with it, but I'll never find out.

Which film would you love to have been in?

I'd have loved to have been in A Clockwork Orange because I'm a huge fan of Brutalist architecture and milk.

Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?

I've recently made friends with a traditional, ye olde worlde blacksmith who runs a forge near Hadrian's Wall. Ever since I turned 40 I've had a strong compulsion to study mediaeval history, so it's been brilliant to talk to someone who makes axes that could cut a serf's head off.

When were you most embarrassed?

When travelling around Europe some years back I came back from the bathroom of a restaurant with a long piece of toilet roll sticking out of my pants. Everyone was laughing at me, all the other customers and the staff too. It was at that moment something broke in my mind and I knew I was destined for open-mic comedy.

What's the best (non-comedy) room you've ever been in?

Victoria Hall in Saltaire because that's where I got married! That's very lovely of me and almost certainly makes up for forgetting the anniversary itself.

Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?

I remember feeling very let down how close Stone Henge was to the car park. They say you've not really experienced the staggering Neolithic feat without simultaneously watching a parking attendant issue you a ticket.

What should be Britain's next national anthem?

I think everyone would agree that it should be Party Time by The Northern Boys. If you're not familiar with the holy verse of Norman Pain and Patrick Karneigh Jr, correct that immediately!

Chris Cantrill: Easily Swayed is at London's Soho Theatre from 4-7 December. Tickets