Q&A with Milton Jones

By Daniel Jolly

South West Londoner catches up with Richmond-based comedian Milton Jones, ahead of his stint at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Sunday.

SWL: How would you describe your comedic style and how important is audience interaction to you?

MJ: Silly one liners. I enjoy what happens in the crowd that is different each night. It keeps me on my toes. 

SWL: Who is the most famous person/group you have ever played a gig for?

MJ: Prince Edward, Robbie Williams, Paul Weller, Andy Murray, Derek Nimmo.. lots of odd people turn up!

SWL: Who are your favourite comedians of all time and at the moment?

MJ: Rowan Atkinson, Leonard Rossiter, Ronnie Barker – more comic actors.

SWL: Who are your best mates in comedy?

MJ: I was at primary school with Sean Meo. Adam Bloom, Lee Mack, Stewart Francis, Dan Evans, Bennett Arrron….

SWL: Which new and up and coming comedians should we be watching out for?

MJ: James Acaster, my support act, is well on his way. There are plenty of really good older comics to who haven’t been in the right place at the right time yet.  

SWL: What would you rate as your best and worst gigs?

MJ: Best – the first time you get booked, paid and play the Comedy Store, Hammermith Apollo. Worst – Christmas shows near Christmas and the atmosphere of unhappy drunkeness.

SWL: What are the best and worst/weirdest venues you have played at? 

MJ: The London Comedy Store on a good night takes some beating. There have been many awful one off corporate venues where the audience are miles away, the PA doesn’t work and the audience are mostly Japanese. 

SWL: When did you first get into comedy and do you remember the first gig?

MJ: I remember going to gigs at the end of the 80’s and trying a few open spots soon after. I forget which one was first. But they didn’t go that well. It took me ages to pluck up the courage again. 

SWL: Is it difficult for you to balance spending time with your family while touring?

MJ: My children are a bit older now but I come back as often as possible. I am often around during the day. When they were younger they thought I didn’t have a job as I left home after they were in bed and was usually there in the morning again.  

SWL: What are your interests and hobbies outside of comedy?

MJ: Keeping fit. Playing/watching football. Dvds. Wasp-keeping – the usual. 

SWL: You support Arsenal don’t you? What do you think of their season so far?

MJ: Frustrating. I admire Wenger’s style and stubborness. But money talks for players and their slimy agents.

SWL: What are your thoughts ahead of your upcoming gig in Wimbledon?

MJ: Nice and nearby. 

SWL: Do you class this gig as a homecoming of sorts?

MJ: No, that would be Richmond theatre where I was an usher years ago.

SWL: How much of an honour it is to have so many awards to your name?

MJ: I think it was Harry Hill who said that ‘awards are given so that the media know who they like’. I’m not ungrateful but they can be pretty random depending on fashion and who else is around. But it is an honour. 

SWL: Describe how you felt before appearing for the first time as a panellist on Mock the Week.

MJ: Adrenalised. But that is not abnormal. They are all nice people – but it can be difficult to get a word in especially if you are new.

SWL: Do you think a comedian needs thick skin?

MJ: Yes. I am often told I am rubbish. And that’s just at home.

SWL: Do you sometimes forget where you are playing and say the wrong town or city?

MJ: Yes. All I get to see is a dark room and I regularly forget where I am and what day it is.

SWL: Did you ever consider giving up on comedy completely when it wasn’t going well?

MJ: Almost. But there wasn’t really an alternative.

SWL: What was your book Where Do Comedians go When They Die? about?

MJ: It’s about the journeys of fictional comic over his career. Its about a third me, a third people I know and a third I made up.

SWL: Where do see yourself in five years time?

MJ: Hopefully busy and doing more of a variety of things. Acting, writing – getting better. 

For ‘Milton Jones: Lion Whisperer’ tickets visit www.atgtickets.com.