Jonathan Atherton, an Aussie actor, comedian, filmmaker and travel host on Discovery's Globe Trekker and Lonely Planet is ready to show you the ironic side of our utterly serious lives at his weekend stand-up gig
Jonathan Atherton, an Aussie actor, comedian, filmmaker and travel host on Discovery's Globe Trekker and Lonely Planet is ready to show you the ironic side of our utterly serious lives at his weekend stand-up gigu00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Your comedy style slapstick, dry, witty, or simply sharp observation?
Sharp observation is never simple, wit can be dry and slapstick is a brilliant genre but not a part of stand-up.
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As a host on Lonely Planet and Globe Trekker, what was the funniest episode you remember shooting for?
New Guinea. Everything went wrong and we ended up shooting a very different episode from the one envisaged by the director. It was ad-libbed and on the edge. Perfect.
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Have you ever been in a situation where you have had to stop yourself from laughing out loud because it would be disrespectful?
I think funerals are places where people suspend their sense of irony. I don't have that 'off switch' and have been well frowned upon at funerals when I've burst out laughing upon hearing a highly exaggerated description of the deceased. Let's face it; their spirit is probably hovering over the event, having a good laugh too.
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Who do you think is the funniest guy in the world right now? Why?
Me. Because I don't have an agent to say that.u00a0
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How do you gather material for stand-up comedy nights?
Keep my eyes, ears and mind open.
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What kind of things, incidents, people crack you up generally?
Babies and small children. I try to understand how they see the world. It's hilarious and very honest.
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What do you do when what you say is not making somebody laugh? Do you ever experience a comedian's block?u00a0
When you perform live, you tune in to the harmonic of an audience. It's like making love. You must time your energy to satisfy the needs of your partner. In this instance, your partner is an audience of possibly 200 people. It's a tough task. But without an audience, stand-up comedy would be a certifiable mental disorder.
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Does all good humour need to be politically incorrect?
No. But 'correctness' is a moral judgment. We shouldn't be swayed by what some group of out-of-touch academics and politicians deem acceptable. Truth is subjective. We all find the truth within ourselves. Being confronted by our preconceptions helps us think about who we are. For that reason, stand-up comedy is confrontational.
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What have you planned for your gig in Mumbai?
If I could plan stuff I wouldn't be a comic. Nothing is planned. We're just going to laugh our socks off and think a little bit about big 'L' Life.
The funniest thing you have heard about Indians and India from friends around the world?
I've visited India 9 times in this life, and spent close to two years here. Nothing surprises me.
Catch Jonathan Atherton's Around the World in 80 Minutes
On: June 25 and 26 at St. Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra (W)
On: June 27 at Sophia College, Breach Candy
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: Rs 300, Rs 500, Rs 700 and Rs 1,000
Available on www.Bookmyshow.com, or call 39895050
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