Comedy: The Horne Section
One of the highlights of Brighton Fringe is the musical and comic delights of The Horne Section. Alex Horne chatted with Victoria Nangle
Hi Alex, how are you today?
I’m suffering from deep post-Easter blues so not great. The guests have left, I’ve taken all the decorations down, I just feel so empty. Except I’ve eaten loads of chocolate so I also feel very full. I feel full and empty today. How are you?
What style of music best encapsulates your mood right now?
Fine, ignore my question. Do you know the band Right Said Fred? Their music encapsulates my mood right now; full, empty and very very brave.
The Horne Section has proven immensely popular – both on BBC Radio and live. Who are some of your favourite guests you’ve had on the show?
That’s very kind and generous of you. Is it ok if I name-drop? I don’t think I have a choice. Neil Hannon (from the Divine Comedy) was as magical as I’d hoped. As was Harry Hill. I also loved ‘singing’ with Vula Malinga from Basement Jaxx in the last radio recording. She boosted my street cred so much that I now nearly have some street cred.
Will you be featuring guests while touring?
Yes and no. Actually, yes or no. And it’s yes. But I don’t know whom yet. They’ll definitely be amazing though. Definitely. It’ll be someone like Madonna or Prince or a pianist dressed as a dog.
And who would you love to have on in the future (geography, money and time-travel no problem)?
Woody Allen is our number one target. We’ve sent him flowers every day for the past two years in a bid to persuade him onto the show. He’s yet to reply so we’re starting to think he doesn’t like us. Or flowers. But I’m sure we’ll get him eventually. The same goes for Steve Martin. Our florist costs are ridiculous.
What are the best things about touring with a band, as opposed to touring as a stand-up performer?
The petrol costs are shared.
Where have you put the Chortle (Music & Variety) award you won this year?
Ha ha ha! There are actually loads more best things about touring
with a band but I just put the petrol costs! The band will hate that! That’s the best thing about touring with a band – annoying the band. Sorry? The Chortle award? Yes, well, the compere at the event – Mr Arthur Smith – smashed our award as we were on our sheepish way to collect it. So, we let Will (the vegetarian bassist) keep the broken shards.
Is performing still as much fun and mischief when you’re touring compared to when you have a residency?
It can be, but it depends a lot on the audience. Norwich were exceptional. Now it’s Brighton’s turn. Come on Brighton. Help us make mischief (ideally start drinking at lunchtime).
What are your plans for the Edinburgh Fringe this year? – Horne Section or stand up or holiday perhaps?
Horne Section and stand up and an experimental show and a holiday in 2015. Maybe. I love the fringe and build my year around it. I’m particularly excited about the shows I’m bringing up this year but then again, it is only April, so they’re still in their infancy. I always like them less when they’ve matured more (the same goes for children and bonds) (I don’t know what bonds are but I know they mature).
And what are your plans for the next 12 months?
All of them? I tell you what, I’ll tell you three of my plans for the next 12 months: I’m going to try to write another book. I’m going to try to read another book (a different book). And I’m definitely going to go on a holiday otherwise my wife will kill me. Or worse.
Which instrument would you most like to know how to play and why?
I’d like to be able to play the harmonica because I think it makes you look cool (like smoking). And, mostly, because you can carry it in your pocket. That would make the drummer feel even more annoyed about the stuff he’s got to lug around the country every night. Bye then!
The Horne Section, Tues 7 May (8pm), £17.50, Komedia, http://boxoffice.brightonfringe.org
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