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

My name is Henry Dawe. I am based in Uppingham, Rutland, and I write and act. I act in comedy pieces in my own shows, the most recent of which was 'Autumn Leaves Them Laughing' at The Club for Acts and Actors, London, in November 2019. My website, henrydawe.co.uk, has some material shown that night and details of what I have done since starting on this path.

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

I acted in a one-act play, 'Beyond The Pail', which I wrote for the 2016 Leicester Comedy Festival. That led to signing with the agency Red Talent Management as an actor and writer. I was very pleased with the audience and press reaction, and the whole experience gave me the drive to want to go further.

Tell us about your comedy favourites.

I love the Golden Age of British Comedy for its many wonderful shows. One of the pieces I have written is a tribute to the great names from this era in the form of wordplay, for example, 'Where did you get that Hattie Jacques?' / 'In the Richard Beckinsale at Primark'. It forms part of a six-part radio series called 'Play On Words' which I am pitching to producers as part of the Pitch Centre opportunity. On stage I love farce, and on radio 'I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue', which has given me so many years of laughter with its fantastic wordy humour.

How has your writing evolved, for the better, since you started out?

I feel that my writing has become punchier and snappier, with lines and punchlines that come to me more readily than they did when I first started.

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

In the entertainment industry, never specialise. Try to be as many different people as you can.

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

I would like to have established myself as a writer and actor, particularly in comedy. I hope that the publication of my two comedy books ('Play on Words', published in October 2020, and 'Thirty Pieces of Pottiness', published in March 2021) may lead to my writing being considered by broadcasters, which could open doors for me.

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

I try to use it by immersing myself in some favourite radio or television programmes to deepen my understanding of what constitutes good writing and acting. I also like to keep up the languages I speak - French and German - because they could be useful for any European acting opportunities.

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

To bring Kenneth Williams back to life

Published: Friday 28th May 2021