Jonny Pelham
Published: Tuesday 8th February 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week's bold traveller is Johnny Pelham, the stand-up, writer and script consultant (Alma's Not Normal) who is just about to embark on his first UK tour, kicking off at Leicester Comedy Festival on the 12th. As the title suggests, it traverses rare comedic territories.
"The show is called Off Limits, and it is about me coming to terms with the fact I was sexually abused as a child," he explains. "Which I know sounds super heavy and not hilarious, but it's also a collection of anecdotes from my life, including going on my first date at the age of 25, living in a squat and pretending to be a pirate. Fun for the whole family! So long as your family are all 15 or over which I believe are the age restrictions for the show."
Off Limits won rave reviews on its previous stagings, such as the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, but a debut tour raises big new questions. Such as: what snacks/essentials will he be taking along for the ride?
"I don't drive and Pret do a chocolate mousse that is exceptional, so I imagine there will be lots of me on a delayed train, eating mousse, cursing the British railway. I cannot wait!"
Off limits but on the right track. Jonny Pelham, your Random 8 await.
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
My uncle was the mayor of Calderdale for a while which was pretty exciting. He got all the usual perks you get with being the mayor, big hat, big chain, free parking space, million pound a year salary, mansion, license to kill (which he used very judiciously) and a Peugeot.
Your favourite shop, ever?
I am a big fan of any charity shop. Pick up a suit for £8. Yes please!
What's the worst thing in your wardrobe?
An £8 suit from a charity shop.
Which British town should be abolished?
Grimsby. For most places in the UK I only really see them when I walk from the train station to the gig, so I tend to judge them based almost entirely on whether or not they like my comedy. The last time I was in Grimsby I had an absolutely terrible time, at one point a woman stood up and said I don't think you're funny and I don't like you. Which as heckles go is particularly brutal.
What's the very best thing you ever saw?
Myself naked. Every day is a treat.
Which movie/TV show would you love to have been in - and which part?
I am an absolutely terrible actor so I think it would be very funny if I was in something like The Wire. Completely ruin every scene that I am in. A baffling decision made by maverick casting director.
How do you feel about cats?
I don't really get cats. I much prefer the unconditional love of a dog. I have a dog and I know I can do anything, however awful, immoral or grotesque and at the end of the day my dog will still think I'm a great guy. Which when you do as many awful, immoral and grotesque things as I do is really helpful.
What should be Britain's next national anthem?
An old man weeping gently whilst looking at a picture of the queen as a young woman.
Jonny Pelham's show Off Limits tours the UK from 12th February. For full dates and tickets, visit jonnypelham.com
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