Interview with Clive Anderson

"I am not the Clive Anderson who tweets very day about Brexit, or the Clive Anderson who writes about the Bible or the Clive Anderson who runs an auction hose in America."

Interview with Clive Anderson

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I am Clive Anderson. I present Loose Ends and other programmes on BBC Radio 4. I used to present chat shows and whose line is it anyway on television. 

How would you describe your show?

I am doing two shows: a stage version of Whose Line? A fabulously fast hour of improvised comedy. (Me and several other performers) and Me Macbeth and I. An hour of stand-up. Not all improvised (just me). It’s about me and Macbeth. 

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Brilliant question. So brilliant, I don’t really have an answer. But why not?

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It’s bigger, takes place in a perfect city for it: grand without being too big. Plenty of spaces to perform in. Plus, weather which is occasionally bad enough to drive people indoors to see a show. 

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

I am in it for the laughs, and Peter Cook. Frankie Howerd.

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

Nothing. I am old enough to retire, think about writing my memoirs or a novel. 

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

Footballer. 

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Seeing the last night of a pantomime - Polly Perkins. Friends of the cast in the audience were mucking around and giving the wrong responses   I think it had a big impact on me. 

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

Constantly updating isn’t quite as bad as coping with news stories remaining the same for weeks, months or years on end.

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

People are sensitive about different things, but change happens gradually so I think you can adapt

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Brexit. Trump. Climate change. Boris. 

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

William Shakespeare. Greatest writer. Might be possible to help out with some of the jokes 

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?

I am not sure the free fringe is quite right for me, but it maybe it captures the true spirit of the Fringe 

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

My daughter Flora is doing a show at this year’s Fringe. I have discovered giving advice is not always welcome 

When and where can people see your show?

Me, Macbeth & I: Assembly: Studio Three 3rd – 25th August at 9:30pm

Whose Line is It Anyway: Underbelly, Bristo Square 3rd – 26th August 19:00

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

I am afraid I am not on social twitter or snap talk or anything.  You can search out references to me online. Bear in mind I am not the Clive Anderson who tweets very day about Brexit, or the Clive Anderson who writes about the Bible or the Clive Anderson who runs an auction hose in America. 


You can see Clive Anderson: Me, Macbeth & I at Assembly: Studio Three from 3rd  – 25th August at 9:30pm. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com

You can see Whose Line Is It Anyway? At Underbelly: Bistro Square from 3rd  – 26th August at 19:o0pm. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com

Header Image Credit: Provided.

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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