Hi Chris. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?

I am a comedy writer and actor. I have done stand-up in the past but I see myself more as a comedy actor than an actual stand-up. I have always loved telling funny (and unfunny) stories, ever since I was at primary school.

Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.

I did a TV Production and Screen Theory degree at the University of Essex, where I wrote and filmed several scripts. Nothing gives me better satisfaction than filming your own work directly after writing it.

Tell us about your comedy favourites.

If I had to name one, it would easily be Ronnie Barker! The man is truly unique and I don't think we'll ever see the likes of him again. I think the biggest legacy he left to us, apart from Porridge, was David Jason. Sir David was mentored by Ronnie Barker and has continued his legacy.

If I had to name another it would be Rik Mayall. I almost consider him to be a British Jim Carey, that over the top zany, physical comedy. Loved him in Bottom, and quite frankly it's a shame we don't have enough good anarchic slapstick comedy on TV anymore.

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

I am full of great ideas and am not afraid to take risks with my humour. Apart from Scumbags, I have two other sitcom ideas in mind. One about Britain in the future, where the country has become a North Korean style dictatorship. The other is about footballers agents.

I feel that I can bring a different perspective to comedy, I'm immensely proud of my working class roots and believe that I can bring a different perspective to a very middle class dominated industry. Since leaving university, apart from working for a charity, I've also worked as Post Man and a Truck Driver.

I think British comedy needs to be a bit more adventurous and not listen so much to complainers on social media. We also need to bring back that self deprecating humour that we've been previously renowned for. I think audiences aren't as sensitive as critics make out they are.

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

Make jokes about what's around you. Also I think the best bit of advice I had was from the writer of PhoneShop, Phil Bowker, where he said "I always wanted to make a show that people either really, really loved or that people really, really hated. I didn't want that middle ground. That sort of show where people just go 'meh'. I didn't want that."

I couldn't agree more. I also think TV commissioners should give audiences comedy that they DO want rather than comedy that they think people should like. You shouldn't treat comedy like fruit and veg!

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

Who knows. I certainly wouldn't rule out working in America. Maybe one of my shows could transfer across the Atlantic?

I've taken a break from stand-up comedy as the hours I work don't really suit it, but I wouldn't rule out going back into stand-up! Although Steve Coogan isn't technically a stand-up comedian and he's one of the funniest people on TV that I know - apart from James Corden.

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

Mostly deciding on where to travel next. I love going abroad and am even considering doing YouTube travel guides. Comedy can get a bit intense if you know what I mean.

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

To never work nights ever again - sadly I have to work nights as a driver.

Published: Friday 15th May 2020