Mr Chonkers
Published: Tuesday 4th February 2025
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.
This week we welcome an American person who made a big splash at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, in the now firmly established late-night brilliant-oddballs-at-Monkey-Barrel slots, which have thrown up legendary stuff like The Elvis Dead and recent award-troubling shows by Sam Campbell and Julia Masli. It's Mr Chonkers, aka John Norris, who is back at Monkey Barrel this week on his UK tour.
How did the charismatically chaotic Chonkers come about? A sudden eureka-like revelation, or painstaking onstage evolution?
"I was wrestling with different ideas for a show and then a month before Fringe it all started falling into place," the LA-based comic explains. "I'm an absurdist comedian with a lot of clown training. The type of performances and 'bits' and moments on stage that I'm trying to create are ethereal and have to be discovered with a crowd. So I had to do a lot of terrible WIP shows for three-to-five people to figure it all out. It was slow and painful but worthwhile."
And how would he describe the show, to those who are as-yet unconquered by Chonkers?
"To sum up the Mr Chonkers show literally, it's a performer putting on an entertainment industry showcase that goes in an unexpected direction. Though I'd like to think there's a lot more going on than that. At its essence though the show is about an audience having fun watching a person be an idiot for them. Pretty ancient dynamic. There's no message. An hour of daft gags and sweet lunacy."
The best kind. Mr Chonkers, your Random 8 await.
When were you most embarrassed?
At my school, in 7th grade (FINE, GRADE 7. JESUS.) I was cast in a musical. During the first performance, all my little buddies were there and started to laugh as soon as I started to sing earnestly. As soon as they did, I felt my face get hot. I was so embarrassed. So I began to, well, I guess it can only be described as doing a musical sarcastically.
I was rolling my eyes while I was singing. When someone else would say a line I'd gesture with my thumb to them as in: "Get a load of this guy over here. Weird, right?" I pretended I didn't know my blocking on stage "Oh, sure, I GUESS I'll go walk over to stage left if that's what these nerds want me to do..."
This carried on for a little bit until my director/drama teacher stopped the show and reprimanded me in front of everyone. Not a full dressing down but a firm "John. Cut it out." I felt way more embarrassed at that than my friends laughing at me. Now, whenever I step on stage, I attempt to sing earnestly.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
Kim Peek. The guy who was the basis for Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man. He visited our school. It's hard to describe but he seemed to know everything in the world. He knew sports scores from the 70s. Could name the cities and facts for any area code we said. But when we asked him how many stairs he walked up on the staircase on the way there he said "Why would I know something stupid like that?"
What's your favourite mode of transport?
Scooters. Electric. I get to feel the wind in my hair (hair on top of head and also mustache hair). I love it because I don't have to enter my body into a state of aerobic exercise but I get to pretend that I'm running aggressively fast and impossibly smooth, all while standing on a little scooter. I feel like I'm in the future but in a safe, unhealthy way.
Which town/city should be abolished?
I find this question to be pretty rude and mean-spirited. There's always something redeemable about any place...
Houston, Texas.
What's the weirdest thing in your wardrobe?
Actually checked. And, this is real, I saw a suit. Cheap. Mostly polyester. Rose red. Instead of suit pants, there is a matching pair of suit 'short shorts.' It looks like something Angus Young from AC/DC would wear on a nice Valentine's Day date. The weird thing about this suit is that I have no idea where it's come from. Don't recall purchasing it. The tag doesn't have any info except the name "Raoul" written in immaculate calligraphy.
What's the worst thing you've ever bought a ticket for?
My flight to Heathrow.
Your greatest sporting moment?
One thing coming to mind is that I am excellent at making you think I'm great at basketball (American basketball). Without stretching, or any practice shots, I can walk up to any pickup basketball game at any court in the world and sink three three-point shots in a row. Swishes. Ice cold daggers. Anything after that, I am one of the worst basketball players you've ever seen. I think it's nice and want to keep it this way.
Who are you most envious of?
Anyone with a cottage. That sounds nice. To escape into the mellow countryside. It'd be fun to have some sheep. To smell the grass and earth. A little garden to tend. Sheep surrounding me in a pleasant way. Having the option to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Quite a few more sheep coming in now. Taking a bit of a break from the grind of everyday life and reconnecting with loved ones. Waking up with the sun. This seems to be too many sheep?
Having a nice stew going all day. Do sheeps normally stare and bleat non-stop? Is it normal for all the sheep's bleats to form into one sound? Into one powerful drone? It's getting loud now. Is it normal to feel the drone in one's blood? The ground is rumbling and I feel the light. I am one with the light... it just sounds nice to just get away from it all! Come to my show!
Mr Chonkers tours the UK from 7th February. Tickets
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