1. When did you think about a career as a comedian and what were your first steps into it?
As a career, not until I was 30. As a dream concept of something I wanted to do but never thought I’d achieve, then probably when I was about eight or nine.
I never tried standing on a stage alone in front of a crowd of people waiting to laugh until my 30th birthday. Before that I’d performed on a stage and made people laugh as a puppeteer, as a stilt-walker, as a clown, but never as a ‘comedian’; it’s a scary, lonely place up there when you start.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
The best gigs are mainly music. Metallica at Antrim Forum in 1988 and Glastonbury 2015 stand out. I also love any Fugazi gig and any NoMeansNo (Canadian punk band) gig.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
Nick Cave, Fugazi and Deap Valley.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons. It’s good music to live to, to waken up to, and to start the day on an island alone. It gives you hope and joy but also comforts you in those dark moments of despair. Plus I’d never be alone with a 12-piece orchestra there.
5. And the book you’d take to a desert island?
Encyclopaedia Britannia, so that I can brush up on my knowledge of everything.
6. Top three films?
Italian Job, When Harry Met Sally and Matilda.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
I’ve seen lots of bad movies – mainly due to bad writing and Ewan McGregor.
8. Favourite authors?
Caitlin Moran and Nick Hornby.
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?
Swimming.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Gola Island (off the coast of Gweedore, County Donegal).
11. Pet hate?
Narcissists.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Duck confit.
Dessert? Apple crumble and custard.
Drink? Irn-Bru milkshake.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
Jamie Denzil Martha Stevie Joan Victor Currie Esq.
14. Is there a God?
Yes and her name is nature. Love and empathy should be our focus as humans toward ourselves and nature.
:: The Family Comedy Club with Paul Currie takes place on March 11 at Belfast's Black Box as part of the 21st Belfast Children's Festival. The festival, which runs from March 8 to 13, has over 90 shows and interactive experiences happening across Belfast. For tickets and programme visit Youngatart.co.uk/festival.
