Ed Eales-White
Published: Tuesday 13th August 2019
One random comedian, eight random questions: it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's funny person is a full-on thesp who dabbles in various comedy corridors, as well as heavier hallways.
You may know Ed Eales-White as one third of the sketch troupe Clever Peter, or for doing the show Bucket with his brother-in-law, Jon Pointing, in 2015. But also looming large on his CV is the Robbie Coltrane-starring drama National Treasure, and Netflix smash The Crown. So now what's he up to, you ask? Ed is doing his own thing at the Edinburgh Fringe.
"Who Is Daniel King is a comedy play about a man who decides to be a dancer," Ed explains. "It also stars the brilliant Lorna Shaw (Plebs) and Ed Coleman (Spy).
"I guess it came about from having a baby, my daughter, and I was confronted with a lot of the stereotypes of what a father is. It got me thinking about what kind of father I wanted to be and how I was behaving, so quite a lot about being a dad and men/masculinity in general. Sounds funny doesn't it?
"Anyway, that was the starting point. The Edinburgh Fringe has always been a bit of a springboard for me, so it feels like this is the right place to bring this show."
It's picked up at least one important-newspaper rave-review already, so he's not wrong. Ed Eales-White, your Random 8 await.
Who was your childhood hero, real or imaginary?
John Barnes, Gazza, and Eric Cantona.
What's the best (non-comedy) room you've ever been in?
Probably the read-through of National Treasure, the Channel 4 drama I had a part in. I was sat next to Julie Walters and opposite Robbie Coltrane, and everyone was genuine and lovely. It reinforced my faith in just being yourself and not worrying about 'how to be'.
Is there a book or film that changed your life?
I'd say recently the film Network. I watched it when I was starting to write Who Is Daniel King, and I loved how ambitious it was, and unique. Good source of inspiration, but I don't know if it changed my life. Maybe it has.
What's your favourite shop, and why?
Tough: I like cafes, independent ones that pay tax, and I quite like an art shop and a big DIY store. Not because I can draw or am particularly handy with DIY, but I like to imagine I could.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
Probably a 96-year-old man called Eric Saunders. He fled Vienna when he was 19 when Hitler marched the streets and he told me to enjoy life but don't hurt others, fight for democracy and borders should be open. The man's a legend.
What's the most regrettable thing you ever bought?
Smartphone. Still have one.
Do you have a signature dish?
Not anymore, I no longer draw on my food!
It's lucky my show's in the theatre section...
What should be Britain's next national anthem?
The Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads.
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