CULTURE EDITION
JASON BYRNE We learn about Jason’s journey into comedy, his favourite things about Cambridge – and why old men make the best clouds 5 minutes with
GIGS NOT TO MISS!
Cambridge Edition: You’re heading to Cambridge this month – have you spent much time in the city before? Jason Byrne: I’ve played at Cambridge Junction a few times. Once, my mate and I wandered into one of the colleges, past this little wooden barrier with a sign that said, ‘Don’t go beyond this point if you’re not a student’. But we’re Irish, so we just strolled in! I always try and find that busker in the bin in the city centre too; I couldn’t find him last time, so I hope he’s OK. CE: What’s the Cambridge crowd like? JB: They’re usually a bit more proper. Lots of people in finance, property developers, consultants. Very polite. But I sort that out pretty quickly. CE: Tell us about your new show, No Show. What can we expect? JB: Honestly, I have no idea! I come with stunts and material, but it’s the audience that makes each night different. I did a gig in Kendall where a ranger from the Lake District took over the show. I ended up turning him into a serial killer. He was partially deaf, so every time I asked him something, he answered wrong, which made it even funnier. CE: Why this more improvised format? JB: It’s more fun! After my heart surgery, I wanted to make things less stressful. The less I plan, the better I feel. I’ve been doing this for 25 years, so I know how to handle whatever happens. It’s just more exciting this way – you never know what people will come out with. CE: What’s with the clouds? JB: They’re these big cloud hats I made for the audience to wear. I get three people on stage and turn them into weather. There’s always an old man involved. They have to do sound effects like thunder and lightning, which is always... creative. The audience loves it and their wives are in bits laughing. CE: You’ve been in comedy for 25 years. How’s the scene changed? JB: It’s more about the money now. Back when I started, we’d all hang out in one bar at the Edinburgh Fringe – Jimmy Carr, Johnny Vegas, Alan Carr – nobody was
7 October, Corn Exchange Eddi Reader and co – reunited for the first time in 35 years – hit Cambridge for an evening of gorgeous folky sounds. Fairground Attraction 18 October, Corn Exchange Get ready for pop icon Adam Ant as he whips up the crowd with Prince Charming , Antmusic and Stand and Deliver . Adam Ant 19 October, Junction The nine-piece brass outfit bring their infectious, New Orleans- infused vibes to the Junction for a night of raucous covers. The Brass Funkeys 21 October, Corn Exchange Join the veteran rockers to relive classic hits like Dreadlock Holiday , The Things We Do for Love and The Wall Street Shuffle . 10 cc 23 October, Corn Exchange Following their Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury this summer, the band will swing by as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Squeeze
doing telly yet. Now, there are hundreds of shows, massive arenas and fewer hecklers. I miss the hecklers! They toughened you up. CE: Cancel culture is a big topic right now. Is it something you worry about? JB: I don’t tend to do material that gets into that territory – unless you want to cancel me for putting clouds on people’s heads! It’s more of an online thing – people kicking off just for kicks. I had a friend who was trolled by someone, and when they met in real life, the troll said, ‘I just do it for fun’. It’s all a bit meaningless, really. People just want to laugh and enjoy themselves, especially after everything with Covid. CE: What’s been a career highlight? JB: Definitely doing the Royal Variety Performance. I got to shake hands with Charles and Camilla. Charles said, ‘Well done Jason, that was very good.’ And I, like an idiot, said, ‘Did you really like it?’ Security started inching closer… CE: And any disasters? JB: Oh, loads! I did a gig at Up the Creek in London, and the crowd started shouting ‘taxi!’ when I was bombing. The owner saved me by bringing me back the next week. I went in with a completely different approach and smashed it. It’s all about learning from the rough gigs. CE: Any future ambitions? JB: I’d love to direct something where I’m not performing. Watching others perform your work is great – much less stressful! Jason Byrne brings No Show to Cambridge Junction on 25 October. Tickets are £30.50
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