Q&A: Earl Okin

Q) Where and when was your 1st ever gig? How'd it go?

A) My first COMEDY gig was around 1981 at the Comic Strip alongside Rik Mayall, French & Saunders etc. I'd been invited by Nigel Planer. I feel embarrassed to say this, but I went down best.

Q) Who/what were your main influences when you first started out as a comedian?

A) Primarily my father, who ran Variety shows during WW2 and wrote stuff for Harry Worth and Dick Emery (in his RAF shows)...and, of-course the Goons, old Music Hall songs and Tom Lehrer...not to mention the years of performing in Folk Clubs first...alongside Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrott etc...

Q) What has been your biggest achievement to date?

A) My main achievements have been probably in music, recording my first single at Abbey Road back in the 60s, opening for Paul McCartney and Wings on tour, performing at Ronnie Scott's, the Royal Albert Hall and on The Parkinson Show, but I did have a comedy CD out on SONY about 10 years ago.

Q) If you weren't a stand up comedian what would you be?

A) I'm not a stand-up comedian. I'm a MUSICAL comedian...and I sit down. Mostly, though, I'm a Jazz singer and a songwriter.

Q) What has been your favourite gig to date?

A) Difficult to say. Probably a one man show in Dublin some years ago. It was difficult to get off stage even after two and a half hours.

Q) And your worst? Where do I start?

A) Here's one. After storming at the Glee Club previously, the same high energy that earned me crossing Mexican waves turned into a full Bach fugue based on the words 'Fuck off' on my return visit!

Q) Who is your favourite circuit comedian ATM? What new comedians should we watch out for?

A) Difficult. My favourite ones are beginning to break through on TV, Stewart Lee, Milton Jones etc...but Ian Stone has become great and the Swedish comedian...Fredrick Andersson...he has some great jokes.

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A) In 5 years? Really old. Probably doing more music gigs...back where I started. Believe it or not, apart from my usual Bossa Nova, Jazz and Pop songs, I've just written a full musical and a symphony!

Q) Do you have anything to promote?

A) Various things...including that musical. Find out more here

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Check out Hot Water Comedy Club at www.hotwatercomedy.co.uk