CJ Hooper
Published: Tuesday 22nd February 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.
This week's guest has a unique set of skills: according to his latest poster he's the Funniest Historic Conservation Officer in Ware, which is definitely an awards ceremony we'd fancy attending. But this is no time to be learning lessons from history - who is CJ Hooper in a doing-stuff-on-stage-soon sense?
"I'm a comedian in Hertfordshire and run a regular comedy night at The Mixer in Ware on the last Thursday of each month, aided by Ian Murrill and Sara Louise Aston, who are hilarious," says Hooper, who hosts the next one this very week. "I started in comedy performing improvised poetry, based on audience suggestions."
Could be verse. He runs an occasional bash based on that too, Urban Horror Fairy Tales, and took a high-concept show to the Edinburgh Fringe, pre-pandemic. "Hancock and Hooper's Excellent Adventure, with my good friend Ali Hancock, from Swansea. This was all time-travel themed..."
Conserving history - or meddling with it? CJ Hooper, your Random 8 await.
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
Admiral Westphal, [he was] once midshipman Westphal, who was injured on HMS Victory and lay next to Nelson as Nelson was dying.
Which TV show would you love to have appeared in, and which part?
Doctor Who. I'm not photogenic enough to be the Doctor but maybe a member of UNIT.
The United Nations Intelligence Taskforce. Effectively the red shirts of the Doctor Who universe, so I'd enjoy a dramatic scene to really overact.
What should be Britain's next national anthem, and why?
The Diggers Song - a 17th Century folk tune. Look up Chumbawumba's version.
Is there a book or film that changed your life?
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. Douglas Adams was quite formative for young CJ.
What's your favourite bit of furniture, ever?
The armchair that I'm currently sitting in. High backed Victorian chair that used to belong to my Great Aunt. I think the old chair makes me feel eccentric but really I'm just an old fart at heart.
Which unsung British town deserves more attention?
I'm going to say Ware out of sheer loyalty. Fantastic historic town. With a great comedy night at The Mixer every last Thursday.
What's the very best thing you ever saw?
Llech Oronwy. The Stone of Gronwy from Welsh folklore. There's two. One for the tourists and the one that the locals will tell you about if you're nice. This is a much longer story, but a 12th century text tells you where to find it...
Who are you most envious of?
Anyone who's been into space. Including Shatner. I can't imagine anything more incredible.
CJ Hooper's Comedy Club is at The Mixer in Ware, Herts, on Thursday 24th February. Info
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