Rob Deering
Published: Tuesday 4th October 2022
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.
This week's funny person is Rob Deering, the guitar strumming, distance-running comic who's hosting a significant event in a few weeks, at London's legendary Comedy Store. But who does his benefit benefit?
"I came up with the idea of Shake With Laughter for Parkinson's UK in 2012," Deering explains. "My dad Barney had Parkinson's and I'd already raised funds with TV quizzes and running events - a comedy night seemed like a great idea."
And so it proved, as this is the ten-year anniversary. Joining Rob on the bill are Tim Vine, Jo Brand, Ivo Graham, Paul Mayhew-Archer and Sharon Wanjohi - buying a ticket or two is basically a vital donation with a big bonus evening-out attached.
"Like some of the other comedians taking part in the show - and so many people in general - my life has been affected by Parkinson's," says Deering. "Dad died in 2019, having lived with the condition for more than 15 years. He still inspires me in everything I do - essentially comedy, running and quizzes; all great ways to raise awareness of and funds for Parkinson's UK.
"I'm hoping for a sellout at the Comedy Store on October 19; we'll raise plenty of money for people living with Parkinson's, and have a fantastic time in the process."
Win win. Rob Deering, your Random 8 await:
Who was your first celebrity crush - and ever met them?
Wonder Woman, when I was very young. I've never met Linda Carter, but I did once meet - and kiss! - Catherine Bach: Daisy Duke off of The Dukes Of Hazzard.
What's the best thing you ever bought a ticket for?
When I was sixteen I went to Paris with a friend to see The Cure live. I loved them SO MUCH; I can remember being right in front of the stage just before the show, thinking to myself 'they're going to be RIGHT THERE!' and not being able to believe it. I've still got that ticket somewhere.
Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?
I worked with a lovely guy called Rusty Haight whose job was to stage car crashes - he would recreate accidents so investigators could find out what happened, like a cross between Top Gear and CSI. But he crashed a car with me in it just for, er, fun.
Your greatest sporting moment?
I ran the Race to the Stones this year - 100k along the Ridgeway in two days. Fantastic experience. But I'm not sure that's what you meant...
When were you most embarrassed?
I'm not easy to embarrass. But I still vividly remember when I was very young, getting down to my vest and pants for Music and Movement - it was the seventies. I got distracted and went one layer of clothes too far, and in my distress I could not get my pants back on for love nor money. Nightmarish.
Which film would you love to have been in (and which part)?
Jason Bourne - in The Bourne Supremacy for preference. That film is a key text for me, and Matt Damon on the beach in Goa is my running idol.
What's the worst thing you've ever bought?
I spent all my money on a Mickey Mouse jacket on a school trip to America. It was a mistake on the day, and that mistake was compounded by the fact that literally within a week I had embraced my inner Goth and would wear nothing that wasn't black for the next 5-10 years.
Which low-key law would you introduce?
I'd criminalise repeated, big, wet sniffs on public transport.
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