Jerry Sadowitz interview
Jerry Sadowitz has been lauded as a comedian’s comedian, performing his misanthropic comedy and magic show. Victoria Nangle asks a few questions of the famously private performer
Jerry Sadowitz was crowned 15th Greatest Comedian in Channel 4’s 2007 list of the funniest people around. He had his own television show in the ’90s, The Pall Bearer’s Revue, with a still young Channel 4, but apart from a few cameos, precious clips and short sets he’s stayed off the small screen since then. His taboo-busting antagonism, vitriolic and misanthropical content and stalwart outsider perspective has seen Sadowitz gather a cult following away from the popular Saturday night stand-up TV shows and Christmas DVD releases. A vehement alternative to the ‘Alternative’ comedy of the ’90s and still forging a path of his own, with several published books on magic under his belt and huge respect in both magical and comedic circles, we were very fortunate to get a chance to ask Jerry a few question of our own. Not that he was going to pull any punches with his answers…
How different is your onstage persona from the you that walks down the street afterwards?
They are both awful. The one on stage actually thinks he has something to offer. The one offstage is beyond despair, desperation and bitterness but he’s too cowardly to kill himself.
Your own delivery with comedy magic combo is incredibly unique to you and appreciated by your audiences. What’s your favourite kind of audience to receive it?
I have no idea of who it is that comes to watch me! As long as they don’t leave wanting a refund, I can breathe a sigh of relief.
How did your aggressive delivery first develop?
Intense anger of everything that I have experienced, not experienced and observed since birth.
What inspires you when you write a new show?
I’ll let you know when that happens.
You were voted 15th greatest stand-up in C4’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups in 2007, however your persona on stage is very anarchic. How much do industry accolades matter to you?
One needs the industry to some degree just to work. To be embraced by them is something else entirely.
You are widely recognised as a superb close-up magician, yet sometimes this is usurped by your comedy content and delivery in the show. How do you feel about this?
I’d love to tour a show of close up magic with a screen, projector and camera, but the costs versus the number of people who would come and see me make that prohibitive. The irony is that some magician with very little talent, but lots of TV publicity, will be able to do that. Meanwhile, my hands are getting drier and I’m getting some arthritis, so its all academic. Like my whole life!
It was reported that you recorded some shows earlier this year for a DVD release, provided you were happy with the filming. Is this going to be released this year at all?
No, because the deal fell through. I’m kind of glad it isn’t going to happen though. If I had my way, there would be nothing out there whatsoever, and there would be nothing on earth after I die to show that I was here at all. But old age and heating bills might deny me that one too.
I remember thoroughly enjoying The Pall Bearer’s Revue on C4 and disappointment at its early demise. Would you ever consider having another TV show focused around you?
That’s very kind of you to say that, but it was my first TV performance, and I do not think I carried it off well at all. I would have got better though. I’d love to do more TV inasmuch as it brings opportunities to do stuff that I can’t do on stage. However, I am so eaten with contempt for the BBC and Channel 4 for their sheer denial of my existence, and the perpetual use of my material through other ‘comics’ that I don’t know if I could bring myself to do anything for them now. Just as well I’m not asked then, eh?!
Who do you rate in terms of comedy performers?
There’s so many I despise that it clouds my mind from thinking of those who I like. There are a few, but most are dead or retired. Of recent years, I think Eddie Izzard and Phil Kay are not only great stand ups but genuinely original.
What makes you laugh so much you lose all natural balance?
The funniest things happen when you are with friends. I can’t remember the last time I really laughed.
What is the most bizarre occurrence to ever happen at a show of yours – planned or unplanned?
I was the last act on a late night comedy bill in Edinburgh 2006 and the whole audience walked out on me. All of them! It started out with one person, then a couple, then another couple and then there was a slow motion exodus. The only people left standing were some comedians and a promoter at the back of the room who thought it was hilarious. Strangely, it was a comedy character that I was doing, a kind of ‘intro’ to the main set. I hadn’t even got to the “offensive” material.
Jerry Sadowitz, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, Thursday 10 November, 8pm, £18. To book contact 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
