Comedy: Stewart Francis – Outstanding in his Field

The king of snappy drollness had a chat with Victoria Nangle ahead of playing the Brighton Dome this week

You’re known for your deadpan one-liners. Which is your favourite one-liner gag from the show?
“Probably the one about vagueness.”

Your parents are British but you’re a Canadian national. Much has been said about the similarities between the two nations’ senses of humour. How do they compare to you?
“British humour tends to be a little less paranoid. Btw, who told you that my parents are British?”

You were supporting Ricky Gervais’s Science tour at the Brighton Centre not long ago. His ill-treatment of previous support act Robin Ince was legendary thanks to DVD tour extras. How did you find him?
“I found Robin to be very friendly and a great dancer.”

What made you decide to relocate to Britain for comedy?
“I moved here because of my ‘alleged’ tax evasion charges and the ongoing ‘investigation’, but don’t ‘quote’ me on that.”

You’ve appeared on America’s The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, the UK’s Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, the Montreal Festival, the Edinburgh Festival – are you ticking off national comedy institutions? What’s next on the hit list?
“Peter Andre.”

How do fans change from country to country?
“Probably shoes off first, then trousers and finally their tops.”

What’s your next big ambition? Is there a book you’re writing or a film you’re going to make?
“I’m writing a book about a film I hope to make.”

What’s your next small ambition (excluding answering these questions)?
“I’m writing a pamphlet about a photo I hope to take.”

The best piece of advice you could give to someone is:
“Something that I hope they would take to heart and use to enhance their lives.”

Stewart Francis – Outstanding In His Field, Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, Saturday 16 June, 7.30pm, £18.50 www.brightondome.org