Pierre Novellie
Published: Tuesday 24th January 2023
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. This week that funny person is Pierre Novellie, who's embarking on his debut tour, at London's Soho Theatre next week then the Leicester Comedy Festival, and a bunch of other big towns later this year.
Ironically, if Pierre was in the audience, he'd probably think the show was, well, fine. But that's the theme.
"When I chose the title Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? it was definitely a sincere question that I had intermittently asked myself with increasing frequency for most of my life," Novellie explains.
"I decided to do a stand-up show where the sort of observational/rhetorical question at the heart of it was one that sincerely troubled me, jokes aside, from time to time, figuring it was a good way to get comedy out of mild misanthropy (a staple of British comedy) and maybe get an answer along the way."
And did that answer emerge?
"I won't spoil the ending, but I did get one, and it sort of turned the show into a slightly eerie piece of prophecy."
Intriguing indeed. Pierre Novellie, your Random 8 await.
Who is - or was - your most interesting relative?
My uncle speaks about eight languages, so he's in with a good shot.
Is there a book that changed your life?
It's a bit cringe, but Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. My art teacher recommended it as a good way of studying Ralph Steadman drawings simplified down to black and white, and it started me off reading more Gonzo, counter-culture stuff from that era.
What's the weirdest thing in your wardrobe?
A rayon shirt covered in oranges.
Ever met a surprisingly great or awful famous person?
I briefly met Alfie Allen at some drinks after a screening of SAS: Rogue Heroes and he was tangibly a very polite, nice man.
What's your favourite fact?
Viking-era trade routes were so extensive that a sixth-century jade Buddha made its way from Kashmir to Sweden, along with an Irish crozier and a North African water ladle.
The most random place you've ever relieved yourself?
In a portaloo in the middle of a military exercise area.
Ever walked out of a film, before the end?
The closest I've ever come was the Will Ferrell version of Sherlock Holmes but I stayed just to see what on earth could happen next. Everyone in the cinema was looking at each other for reassurance that what was happening was real, reacting like the projectionist had accidentally put on some niche pornography.
What's the greatest thing you ever ate?
A coconut cream cake - I don't even like dessert, but this... this was astonishing. A massive thing, like a slice of cake in a cartoon. Nothing will ever top it, dessert-wise.
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