Can you remember the first thing you wrote?

I think the first thing I wrote was an episode of the TV Series Due South. I've always had a penchant for a man in a uniform, and this guy had a horse too!

To be clear, I didn't write an actual aired episode, I wrote an idea for one because I loved the series - and cheekily sent it to the main star, Paul Gross, because I happened to know where he was filming at the time. I was ridiculed by my co-workers at the time, who promptly shut up when I got a personal, hand-written-on-his-hotel-notepaper reply! Sadly it was to thank me for the idea but to inform me that the series had been cancelled. Damn!

Tell us about your comedy favourites.

I like comedy that doesn't rely on being crude and rude to make people laugh. I like to be entertained and find early sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses, Porridge and similar era shows make me smile and laugh again and again without worrying if I will feel queasy or uncomfortable.

The comedy industry is competitive. Why should people pick you to work with?

Everyone is unique, with stories to tell. I have mine. Not enough of an answer? Ok... here's a bit more then:

I have been around a while and as an avid people-watcher, have developed a hunger for some level of understanding of the human condition. In doing so, and with a need to be somewhat philosophical about life's rollercoaster of a ride, it has enabled me to find the funny in situations to help me roll with them. This is what I like to bring to my writing.

What's the best advice you've ever been given, read or heard?

"Be yourself, no matter what they say" - Sting.

Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?

Old but healthy. (A successful writer and rich would be cool too)

If you ever get free time, how do you spend it?

Writing, re-writing, drinking wine, making great-tasting food out of leftovers

If a genie offered you one wish, what would you ask for?

Well I just want to say: "I wish for endless wishes" - but I know that's not what you mean, so whilst it might sound very materialistic, where my head is RIGHT NOW, I'd probably wish for enough money to worry less, spend more time on good health practices (and holidays) and enjoy the time to be creative!

That and a good man, inner peace, outer peace, usual stuff...

Published: Friday 11th September 2020