Interview with Chris Washington

"If you’re doing a 20 minute serious bit about Brexit with no laughs, you’re probably in the wrong game IMHO"

Interview with Chris Washington

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I am Chris Washington, a stand up comedian from Wigan, I have 3 GCSE’s A*-C and I was a postman for 10 years.

How would you describe your show?

I like my shows to feel like a mate telling you funny stories in the pub. I’m not here to tackle any issues, challenge your thinking or provide any kind of hard hitting message. Just switch off for an hour, have a pint and a laugh.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Mainly because doing the intensity of doing so many shows over a month makes you a better comedian, you can really hone your material. As well as gaining new fans and being part of the world’s biggest arts festival.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It’s absolutely bloody massive.

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

Funny people, not just comedians, some of my friends outside comedy are the funniest people I’ve ever met and some people I’ve met who make a living from comedy are the unfunniest people I’ve ever met. One moment that sticks out in my mind is watching Peter Kay’s Top of the Tower video with my Mum and Dad when I was a kid and howling with laughter because there was a bloke from down the road talking about real life in such a hilarious way.

If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

I’d still be walking the mean streets of Wigan delivering council tax bills and Dominos leaflets.

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I think I already have the best job in the world, but I wouldn’t mind being a waterslide tester.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

I remember my mum cutting up an ice ring donut for me before nursery, I scoffed it whilst watching the news and remember thinking the guy on the news had a head shaped like a biscuit.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?

No. I didn’t start comedy to respond to events or give social commentary. I started comedy to share funny stories/ thoughts with people and have a laugh. I think we all have to remember that if we’re calling ourselves comedians then funny should come first. If you’re doing a 20 minute serious bit about Brexit with no laughs, you’re probably in the wrong game IMHO.

Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?

I don’t even understand that question. I had a story about biscuits in my show last year, and this year I have one about Emmerdale. What does public sentiment mean? 

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Went Australia, It’s far away.

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

Probably Peter Kay. The true definition of funny bones. Loved all his stand up and sitcoms. I still laugh at people quoting Phoenix Nights now, nearly 20 years later.

Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?

It’s whatever works best for you. It’s easier to get bums on seats if it’s free to get in but there’s always tight b*stards who will chuck in 2p on the way out. Ticketed venues often have more staff and ushers to help the show run smoothly. I don’t really know, as long as you’re up at the festival doing a show it doesn’t really matter. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

Be funny, do what you want to do, don’t scrap what you do the rest of the year to try and fit an agenda. 

When and where can people see your show?

Pleasance Courtyard, Baby Grand, 8:15pm. 31st July – 25th August for tickets go to www.edfringe.com 

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

I live in Golborne and drink in The Millstone pub quite a lot, so you can probably find me there. My twitter/ Insta is @chriswash_ too. 

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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