Interview: Gein’s Family Giftshop

Hello! How has your day been today?
Brilliant, we just found out that there’s a face on the moon so we’ve been busy crafting a message for him in lime powder on a nearby hill. We left Ed in charge of the text and he’s dyslexic so he opted for a drawing of a cock and balls instead. He’s arguing that it’s as powerful as the Dylan Thomas quote we had previously picked.
 
I’m looking forward to seeing your ‘Trophy Collection’. Having already picked up praise for sketches in Edinburgh and beyond in previous shows, but also presented thoroughly enjoyable full length single-story shows on Radio 4 (wales), what format will this take and why?
We decided to smash together our two shows so we’d have a greatest hits sort of vibe. It runs at an hour in total which tells you far more about our previous shows than we’d like. If it was up to us we’d just perform an abridged version of the musical Hamilton but when we suggested it via tweet we were immediately threatened with legal action.
 
What kind of things should we expect from ‘Trophy Collection’?
Oh just the usual. Exceptional sketches, swearing, blood, a trip to hell and if the last two shows are anything to go by Kath refusing to leave the venue by foot. We’re bored of carrying her but we keep forgetting the wheelchair so we make our own problems.
 
Are there any more recordings for BBC Radio on the horizon for Gein’s Family Giftshop?
Yes! The wonderful, supportive chumps at BBC Radio Wales have let us have three more half hour specials on the radio. We’re recording them in June with the brilliant producers Rubber Chicken. Last time they ruined a take by audibly opening wine at the recording so it’s a match made in heaven.
 
What is your favourite description of what you do that you’ve read/heard?
We were introduced to someone who already knows us as “a group that does pull back and reveal sketches”, which was nice and by nice we mean annoying and accurate. Kiri’s Dad also calls us “Gein’s Family Emporium”, which makes us sound grander than we are.
Generally we’re a big fan of anyone who says “they’re the best sketch group in the world”, mainly that’s just us to people who haven’t seen us but sometimes that’s enough.
 
You seem unreservedly brutal and affectionate with each other in equal measure, with excellent comic effect. What’s the secret to establishing and maintaining that kind of relationship?
Probably a detached relationship with our actual families. We’re a bunch of unbearable arseholes but if we aren’t nice to each other every now and then, no one else will be.
 
What are the best and worst traits each of you bring – as decided by the other three in each instance
Jim – Personality/Wrath
Kath – Strength/Hair
Ed – Looks/Looks (that he gives)
Kiri – Too perfect*
 
*She definitely didn’t write this and she’s angry that you would even think that.
 
If Gein’s Family Giftshop was appointed leader of the world, what laws would it introduce as a part of its dictatorship?
Build a wall to keep out Mexico.
 
What are you expecting from your visit to Brighton?
A full audience, a trip to the beach, a trip to A&E after Ed drinks too much ocean and a long car journey back to Manchester.