Today we interview the wonderfully witty Welsh comedian, Tudur Owen who is performing his one-man show, “The Worst Zoo in Britain” at the the most appropriately named venue of them all – THE ZOO VENUES!! He is on daily at 5.15 pm in the early evenings throughout the duration of the Edinburgh Fringe. So, let’s chat with Tudur to find out more about him and his show….
1. What inspired you to become a writer, comedian and entertainer and performer?
I was kind of forced into being a comedian. I used to be a studio floor manager working on TV shows in Wales. One evening the warm up comedian hadn’t turned up so the director ordered me to “just make the audience laugh”. They did laugh and I loved it! Eventually I told the director where he could stick his job and became a Writer and performer and I still love it.
2. What is your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
I will be telling the true story behind a newspaper headline. “The News of The World” once had a front page headline which read “The Worst Zoo in Britain”. Under the headline were three pictures, a depressed monkey in a cage, an annoyed lion and a fourteen year old me! It’s a story which has remained untold, and kept as a shameful family secret – until now! No animals were harmed during the making of this story – just a bit upset.
3. What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
My first language is Welsh, and one of my worst experiences was having being booked to do a gig in Welsh, turning up at the venue to find that none of the audience could understand a word of it. The funniest experience was during that same night when I decided I would do the gig in Welsh and have the organiser on stage with me to translate it into English. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen and I think the audience agreed.
4. What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?
My last festival was the National Eisteddfod of Wales. It’s when we all get together for a week in a field and celebrate everything Welsh – except our football team ….. and Janet Street Porter ….. and Rhyl.
5. What’s your best advice for aspiring performers in your theatrical medium?
Don’t give up and be nice to everyone you meet – unless you get a chance to meet Anne Robinson.
6. Are there any dreams or goals that you have yet to fulfil?
I want to go on The Weakest Link.
7. What is the best advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?
“Just make them laugh” – I try.
8. What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?
My favourite book is always the last one I’ve read. I’ve just finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – I cried for three hours!
9. Who is the person you most admire and why?
The headline act at any comedy club. They have been on a hell of a journey.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Make it international law, so that any politician or world leader who makes the decision to go to war must then lead their troops into battle. Right behind you Tony!
