» Comedy: The Pajama Men interview
Critically acclaimed and with a new show featuring love, alien abduction and more. Victoria Nangle finds out more
Hello there. Your new show sounds incredible… space men, time travel, sea monsters… what does it feel like from your end?
Like a really boring roller coaster, wait no, that’s what a train feels like…
What’s your favourite bit in the show?
When we f*** up. The best bits come when we make a mistake and have to find a clever way to get out of it.
How did the two of you meet and decide to perform in attire usually associated with sleep over activity?
We wanted to be business men, but couldn’t afford suits. PJs were the next best thing.
Which are your favourite pyjamas?
You need to find a good fit. Pyjamas can make even the most anorexic of us look rotund.
What is your favourite aspects of each other?
I like Mark’s nostrils – entire worlds live inside them. He likes that I like them.
What is your least favourite aspect of each other?
Neither of us is very organised so it can be hard to keep track of what we hate about each other. It’s not like a normal job where you can say, “Damn this f***ing printer is wrecking my head!” It can get personal, but luckily we love each other like brothers who are in love with each other.
What do you make of Brit audiences compared to your native US crowd?
Honestly Brits take comedy seriously. It’s a real art form over here. We love that about the UK.
You have won more than a few awards from around the world.
How much pressure does this put on you when you’re creating?
There is some pressure, I guess. It’s important that the audience keep their expectations extremely low! If you’re expecting a half bagel and weak green tea, you might be pretty thrilled by a casserole.
What makes each of you laugh lots?
We’ve been working together for 12 years, so we’re really in each other’s heads. We laugh when we’re both thinking the same stupid thing and both know it – it makes it extremely difficult to get through anything boring that’s supposed to be serious. We get the giggles.
Who is the funniest?
Mark.
The Pajama Men – In The Middle
Of No One, Komedia, Thurs 1 Dec, 8pm, £16.50,
box office 0845 293 8480, www.komedia.co.uk/brighton
