Last evening stand-up comedian Jon Dore performed the first of his four-night-stint here at Helium Comedy Club. He was kind enough to do a Q&A with us - chatting about the NHL playoffs, starring in a new TV pilot, and James Bond on Netflix.
Helium Comedy Club: Apart from performing four nights at Helium, how are you going to be spending your time in Philadelphia? Have you been to Philly before?
Jon Dore: I have never been to Philly before. However, the NHL Playoffs are in full swing my friend. Montreal Boston! Philly Buffalo! Vancouver Chicago! I'll be in front of the television.
HCC: I recently read you landed a lead in an NBC pilot. Anything you can tell us about your involvement in the show? Are you planning on doing more acting?
JD: Indeed. The pilot is called "My Life as an Experiment" somewhat based on the life of journalist and author AJ Jacobs. It stars Paget Brewster, Adam Campbell, and Donald Sutherland. All funny veterans and I'm pretty sure they learned a lot from me.
HCC: You seem to be particularly skilled at being funny just by talking to people – whether it’s your interviews on “The Jon Dore Television Show” or even something as simple as talking on “Stop Podcasting Yourself.” Does your act include any crowd work?
JD: If I'm distracted I will involve the audience. Talking to the crowd is much easier than writing jokes. I am that lazy. Glad you mentioned "Stop Podcasting Yourself" Graham and Dave are great hosts and lovers.
HCC: Regarding your act, you work with a very specific voice, and, at times, you seem to be playing a character on stage. You’ve also played a version of yourself on “The Jon Dore Television Show.” How does this character or voice – or whatever you like to call it – shape your act? Do you think this naturally developed from your sense of humor growing up or was it formed from the trial-and-error nature of performing comedy?
JD: This question is too thoughtful. I commend you on your ability to cut to the core of me, however, the evolution of my comedic sensibility is not something I can talk about casually. How bout I type the word "fart" instead of answering the question? Thoughts?
HCC: At times, your act could be described as being alternative comedy – you’ll play a tape player of yourself trying to remember a joke or take your shirt off to reveal tattooed-on suspenders. Has alternative comedy always interested in you? What comedians do you think have influenced your act most?
JD: Alternative to what? I just perform what I think is funny. Most of the time it's terrible. I present 45 minutes of "comedy" to an audience in a club. I guess I'm the alternative to anyone who is not me. Steve Martin, Bill Cosby, Jim Carrey, David Letterman, Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, and all cast members of the show General Hospital have influenced my act and life choices.
HCC: Late last year you performed on Conan. What was that experience like?
JD: It was wonderful.
HCC: Anything else you’d like to tell us?
JD: Sure, "Hey Philly, all James Bond films are streaming live on Netflix… You're welcome. Love Jon."
Helium Comedy Club: Apart from performing four nights at Helium, how are you going to be spending your time in Philadelphia? Have you been to Philly before?
Jon Dore: I have never been to Philly before. However, the NHL Playoffs are in full swing my friend. Montreal Boston! Philly Buffalo! Vancouver Chicago! I'll be in front of the television.
HCC: I recently read you landed a lead in an NBC pilot. Anything you can tell us about your involvement in the show? Are you planning on doing more acting?
JD: Indeed. The pilot is called "My Life as an Experiment" somewhat based on the life of journalist and author AJ Jacobs. It stars Paget Brewster, Adam Campbell, and Donald Sutherland. All funny veterans and I'm pretty sure they learned a lot from me.
HCC: You seem to be particularly skilled at being funny just by talking to people – whether it’s your interviews on “The Jon Dore Television Show” or even something as simple as talking on “Stop Podcasting Yourself.” Does your act include any crowd work?
JD: If I'm distracted I will involve the audience. Talking to the crowd is much easier than writing jokes. I am that lazy. Glad you mentioned "Stop Podcasting Yourself" Graham and Dave are great hosts and lovers.
HCC: Regarding your act, you work with a very specific voice, and, at times, you seem to be playing a character on stage. You’ve also played a version of yourself on “The Jon Dore Television Show.” How does this character or voice – or whatever you like to call it – shape your act? Do you think this naturally developed from your sense of humor growing up or was it formed from the trial-and-error nature of performing comedy?
JD: This question is too thoughtful. I commend you on your ability to cut to the core of me, however, the evolution of my comedic sensibility is not something I can talk about casually. How bout I type the word "fart" instead of answering the question? Thoughts?
HCC: At times, your act could be described as being alternative comedy – you’ll play a tape player of yourself trying to remember a joke or take your shirt off to reveal tattooed-on suspenders. Has alternative comedy always interested in you? What comedians do you think have influenced your act most?
JD: Alternative to what? I just perform what I think is funny. Most of the time it's terrible. I present 45 minutes of "comedy" to an audience in a club. I guess I'm the alternative to anyone who is not me. Steve Martin, Bill Cosby, Jim Carrey, David Letterman, Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, and all cast members of the show General Hospital have influenced my act and life choices.
HCC: Late last year you performed on Conan. What was that experience like?
JD: It was wonderful.
HCC: Anything else you’d like to tell us?
JD: Sure, "Hey Philly, all James Bond films are streaming live on Netflix… You're welcome. Love Jon."
No comments:
Post a Comment