Add to My Profile | More Videos Thursday, May 17, 2007
Brian Gittins
Category: Life
BRIAN GITTINS
I witnessed comedian and roadside café proprietor Brian Gittins perform his act live recently and near bust a gut. It was at once hilarious, unique and deeply disturbing. Don't bet on him getting a chat show.
Leisure Pirate: Hello Brian, how does today find you?
Brian Gittins: I've just eaten a ham roll, so all is good with the world.
LP: Played any good gigs lately?
BG: Oh yes. I performed in front of a lot of art students recently. They liked my drawings and loved watching me wrestle an imaginary wolf.
LP: How is stand up comedy treating you?
BG: She's treating me very well, thanks. I've taken to the stage like a duck to water (the stage is the water and I'm the duck).
LP: Are the audiences appreciative?
BG: Some nights I'm a "speccy twat", other nights they love me. Stand up is a very difficult beast to tame. Luckily for me, on the 'off nights', my wife is always there to support me… by hugging me, kissing me or massaging my back (I've got a disintegrating T-12 lumbar region). So, that helps.
LP: Experienced any extreme fandom yet?
BG: There's a little old man in the village who likes looking at me. I'm not totally convinced he's sane. Someone once told me he likes digging holes in the park.
LP: Why did you first decide to become a comedian?
BG: Because I'm funny. It really is as simple as that. People kept saying to me "You're so funny Brian, you're like Bruce Forsyth mixed with Jono Coleman." When you hear things like that, you've really got to take to the stage and give it a go. So, I did. I put my tuxedo on, my bow tie, and went for it.
LP: How goes the roadside cafe trade?
BG: We have our slow days, but luckily we have our regulars who can't stay away. There's a bloke called 'Spudhead' who comes in every morning. He's an amateur boxer/gypsy. Smashing guy. One morning I can be serving a coach-load of blind people, the next I'm helping Angelos repair the pink elephant slide. My life is very varied.
LP: Do you have any further culinary aspirations?
BG: Regarding the café? We just want to paint it mauve.
LP: What are your plans for 2007?
BG: I'm looking to continue with my stand up. See where it takes me. It's very exciting to be Brian Gittins at the moment. Very exciting.
LP: Lastly, could you recommend one album our readers MUST hear?
BG: To be quite honest with you, I don't listen to young people's music. Too much effing and blinding. But, if I had to stick my neck out… ORSON. According to my stepson, they "kick arse".
BRIANGITTINS.COM
Interview by William (Vic) Smith.
Who I'd like to meet: Steve Cram, Steve Ovett and Seb Coe. I'd love to know what goes on in their heads
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
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Hi I have just added (as a blog) some videos of our first gig. If you have a minute to stop by & let me know what you think, I would be very grateful. Best wishes:) Adam
I hope this finds you in rude health? Keeno’s made a new film at last! But Beware, he was riddled and dosed up on Night Nurse. Deranged out of his mind!
Hey Brian! Is that 'SOUTH LONDON THING' by the fabulous 'PECKHAM COWBOYS' featuring M.E. & Guy Bailey from 'THE QUIREBOYS' below? Blimey! Maybe they need to plug it a bit more...Lots of love Marc' i like Chas 'n' Dave E x
Brian! 'ave a look at this! I dunno what's worse, describing it as a 'side-project', or 'only fools an' horses on crack', as one reviewer put it - ha! Happy New Year!
Hey thanks for adding us ! much appreciated :) Drop by anytime to listen to our music and chat. Hope to cya at our gigs around brighton ! thanks and keep in touch
