Q&A: Rob Thomas

Q) Where and when was your first gig? Did it go well?

A) Rawhide Raw, above the baa bar on myrtle street which has now ceased to exist. Went great I won the gong show but I think that's cause it was my first gig and the audience took pity on me.

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

A) Jack Dee was the first comedian that captivated me then as I watched more and more obviously Peter Kay blew me away and a lot of those on the first series of Live at the Apollo. These days it's a lot of American stand ups. My biggest influence of anyone would have to be Richard Pryor.

Q) What has been your biggest achievement to date?

A) I don't think I have one, it's more a collection of milestones: First Gig First real gong win First poorly paid spot First competition final First proper paid spot Regular weekends at big clubs

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

A) Struggling to be motivated in a career I never really cared for.

Q) What has been your favourite gig to date?

A) Too many mention, any time performing in Liverpool is always nice. Now I've reached the point where I'm getting regular work and establishing myself I love going back and doing the gigs you first did, Hot Water on Sundays for example. I used to go there and want nothing more than to do well now I go with new jokes to try and just relaxed it's amazing going seeing new acts knowing how far you've come and trying to help them.

Q) And your worst?

A) When you start you do all manner of terrible gigs, I once gigged in a pub that was heaving except no one in there was wanting or expecting comedy and all they'd done to set the gig up is put a mic into the sound system behind the bar. The one they used to call last orders. It was terrible I got in to a slanging match with some fella who just wanted to heckle (you have no idea how to deal with it when you're so new) and my mate got throttled (Literally) for making an inappropriate joke.

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

A) Favourite- Gavin Webster New- Anyone, just go and watch live comedy Professional and at open mic level they're both brilliant for different reasons.

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A) No idea I just hope I enjoyed getting there.

Q) Do you have anything to promote?

A) World Peace.

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Catch Rob Thomas next on 16th & 17th September

Check out all of Hot Water Comedy Club's future shows at www.hotwatercomedy.co.uk

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