Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Tom Ward, 28-40 years old, comedian and voice-over actor from London. ‘Cos ‘Ice Road Truckers’ won’t narrate itself will it?
How would you describe your show?
A celebration of all the bliss and bollocks of love and identity and the sheer scale of nonsense we’re having to process every day on climate, identity, politics and the environment.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I don’t but I’m going anyway ‘cos I’m a trooper and I don’t play the social media game well enough to tour from chatting to a camera phone.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The local architecture is stunning and the experience utterly immersive. Also if you’re not really into sunshine don’t worry ‘cos some rain is on its way.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I was a singer in a band but got sacked and had to think long and hard. Comedy was an experiment that became an obsession and then a job. Comedy heroes starting out were Eddie Izzard, Ben Elton and Jim Carrey.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
Ha, like all comedians there was some sort of trauma I suppose. Leaving the church, falling out with my parents, surviving this and then starting to reclaim autonomy and joy in my 30’s. Sincere enough for you?
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Walking out of ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ at the cinema when I was six ‘cos I was scared!
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Oh god even thinking about that makes me feel bad – probably trying to be in a band again. It’s unthinkable.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
Well like everyone I had to do Zoom gigs for a while. It sure made me appreciate it when it came back. It showed how flimsy our lives and structures are, how feeble but also conniving our authorities are and how nothing should be counted on. This lends itself to a fuck it attitude maybe.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Recovering ground and focusing hard
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
That assumes that cancel culture exists. Backlash culture exists. Should idiot comedians get away with saying any old shite under the banner of comedy and free speech? No. But should they be exiled forever if they offend? No. Backlash culture weens out nonsense as well as being irritating and spawning sanctimony, it’s a murky one. But generally most people are just getting feedback on how acceptable their views are socially – or at least to the left.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Erm, I love Bono (there finally someone said it). I’d love to be involved in a song with him. My head would melt. Would love to say thanks to him for what his music gave me when I was a fucked up teenager.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Take it slow, avoid excess drinking, exercise, don’t read your reviews and let the highs and the lows wash off you in equal measure.
When and where can people see your show?
Monkey Barrel 1, 10.25pm every day (except Mondays)
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
Instagram: @tomwardcomedian
www.tomwardvoice.com
Tom Ward: Anthem is performing at Monkey Barrel 1 at 10:25pm from 3rd-28th August (not Mondays). For tickets and more information visit edfringe.com
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