Interview with Matt Price

"I'm an entertainer, not a social commentator. I like those who do that style if it's done well. I just want to make people laugh and tell a great yarn."

Interview with Matt Price

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hello. I'm Matt Price. I'm a comedian (and more recently, podcaster) from Cornwall. 

How would you describe your show?

I honestly, don't think there is show or a story like this on the Fringe. Bold statement I know. I was asked to write a book for a former Gangland criminal. I took the job without thinking it through. This show is what happened, how I got involved with criminals in the first place and my conclusion after ten years of being on the periphery of the criminal underworld. 

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

I'm a comedian. It's what we do. I travel a lot the rest of the year and at a practical level, being in one place for a month where I can walk to my gigs is a luxury. I always bring a show I care about and I love performing.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It's considered the most important one by the comedy industry and my peers. It's a chance to be seen by various industry people too. It is show BUSINESS after all.

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

I went to my local comedy club in Cardiff many years ago. I couldn't believe that it was even possible for someone to hold the attention of a room full of slightly drunk people, let alone make them laugh. I wanted to see if I could do it. There are lot of circuit comedians who are brilliant and who I really admire.

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

I'm a comedian. That's my job and if I wasn't a comedian, I would still be trying to be one. By whatever means necessary - either on the dole or a menial job, so I could do gigs as often as possible. It's surprising how being skint and hating your temp job can be a huge motivator.

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

A comedian - but with more profile.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

I saw a piece of graffiti on a wall on some garages in Brixton where I live as a little kid. It was supposed to read "Beat inflation. Steal." It read "Beat inflation steel" and it stayed with me for many years. Beyond that I was the narrator in a school production of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

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

No. I tell stories from my life. Things that I have experienced. I'm an entertainer, not a social commentator. I like those who do that style if it's done well. I just want to make people laugh and tell a great yarn.

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

There is the argument that people are more easily offended these days. My job is to make people laugh and entertain them week in week out. A good comic can read the room and play what's in front of them.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Preparing for the Edinburgh Festival

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

William Shakespeare. I'd love to know what he thinks of people holding him in such high esteem. I get the impression that he was a guy who wrote for the market that was around at the time. He was a very good writer I think and told great stories. I'd like to have a beer with him and find out the truth.

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?

Performers can do whatever they want. I'm investing in myself by doing a paid venue. There are no rights or wrongs as far I'm concerned. It's expensive, but life is expensive. Limitations are similar really - free or ticketed you can still play to an empty room. Everything is a gamble. So do what you want.

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

Ignore what other people are doing. Just do your own thing. Take something you like and work on it and develop it over the month. Learn by your mistakes. 

When and where can people see your show?

I'm at the Clover Room at the Underbelly, Bristo Square at 6.50 pm. 

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

Please check out www.conversationswithcriminals.com and follow me on twitter @mattpricecomedy


You can see Matt Price: Broken Hooters and Geezers With Shooters at Underbelly Clover from 31st July – 25th August at 6:50pm. 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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