Comedy: Dr Brown Interview

The winner of this year’s Fosters Edinburgh Award breaks his silence (and jet lag) to talk about his show – Befrdgth

I loved your show in Edinburgh. But why did you decide way back to have no spoken words in your performances?
“Umm…I don’t know man. I wasn’t speaking, and it was working, so then I just thought about not speaking for the whole time. Yeah, it’s not such a thought-out thing. Sorry, my answers are gonna be like super half-arsed. I won’t fall asleep on you man.”

Great move, you and Boy With Tape On His Face are hot tickets. Why do you think audiences are being drawn to communication without language?
“I have no idea.”

What’s your favourite description of the Befrdgth show?
“I dunno man, I haven’t read any, I don’t really read my reviews. I don’t do the show for reviewers. I think reviewers are just stupid. You can write that in the article. They should just help people, y’know…tell them what the show tastes like…so if people like that kind of taste they’ll go for it, but not judge them. Y’know, who the **** are they? How would I describe it? I dunno – just fun. Just fun…if you’re up for having a good time man, and you don’t really take **** too seriously and you just wanna have a good time, y’know come. But if you want serious theatre, and you want to have a **** about it in your head, don’t come.”

There’s something marvellously feral that comes out in your audience. What are the best ways they’ve reacted to you?
“What does ‘feral’ mean? Like primitive or something? People just come on board and want to relax and have a good time.”

Are you looking forward to returning to Brighton?
“Yeah man, I’ve done the Fringe once, twice maybe. It was the first time I did a full hour show. I’m looking forward to coming back, it’s super mellow. It’s a nice break from London and the people there are super chilled. I’m always really happy to spend a day or longer in Brighton.”

Thanks…
“Cool man, listen…sorry about my lack of enthusiasm.”

Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome, Tuesday 20 November, 8pm, £12/10, www.brightondome.org