CARL HUTCHINSON

“One to watch” list 2019 - Chortle

“Captivating… Outstanding… An all-round comic” ★★★★★ - One4Review

“Joyously funny… Great self-effacing warmth… Brilliant characterisations & expert timing” ★★★★ - Theatre Bath

What’s your most memorable heckle? 

I remember a guy at the back of a pub on my 3rd ever gig, It was in a proper rough part of Gateshead. It was some sort of charity auction, it's never going to go well there. There's comedy, a raffle, a buffet, etc. Terrible. I went on just needing the experience, a guy shot me down within one minute. "Hey mate! I'm not being funny but neither are you". 

 

Where do you go for your pre/post Leicester Square Theatre gig food?

Pre and post, I go to the same place. The Pizza hut round the corner and get 2 slices of pizza. I know it's not very imaginative, but when I was on a school trip to London when I was 15, I saw that pizza hut by the slice and couldn't believe my luck. There was a time in Newcastle when you could get pizza hut by the slice; Metrocentre (Think northern Bluewater) but those days had long past. So every time I go there, I think of how happy I was on that school trip. 

 

Who’s the best upcoming performer in the country that we haven’t heard of?

That very much depends on who you haven't heard of, so you're putting it on me to say you haven’t heard of these people?! Thanks.  

During lockdown I've been laughing my head off at Alistar Green, Stevie Martin & Josh Weller. They're all killing it on Twitter. 

 

Who would you describe as your arch-nemesis?

A man I used to see when I lived in Manchester. he looked a little bit like Karl Pilkington (I may have a photo on my phone if you want me to send it across?). We would just pass each other on Oxford Road a lot, exchange a glance and walk our separate ways. I got right into it by the end and give him exaggerated glances as if we were on Family Guy or something. God knows what he thought of me. 

 

When was the time you bombed the most onstage?

During my first Edinburgh run, I necked a big can of Red Bull and then a little can of red bull to get my energy up. I did an hour show in 43 minutes, I couldn’t catch my breath. I kept thinking "catch your breath when you get a laugh". I did not get a laugh. 

 

What’s been your strangest fan encounter?

A bloke in Yeovil took me to a McDonalds drive through after the gig then dropped me off at my hotel, wasn't strange, but what a lovely thing to do. 

 

Where’s your favourite place to tour?

London Leicester Square of course! 

 

How do you like to relax after a gig?

Back to the hotel to watch Netflix, order some food and have a drink. ooh and a nice bath. 

 

What’s the one thing you want the audience to take away from your show?

Their litter  Ziiiiiiiiing.