With a number of television and film credits on his CV, Manchester-born japester Mick Ferry is one of the most applauded talents currently braving the vitriolic crowds of the UK’s comedy clubs. Following his second well-received visit to the Edinburgh Festival last year, Mick’s headed to the capital next week to get thighs a-slappin’ over at Heroes.
Are you looking forward to visiting the Middle East?
Yeah – I’ve actually been to Abu Dhabi a few times, Dubai and Qatar too. I’ve been to Bahrain in the past as well, but that’s nothing to do with me, what’s going on over there, so…
Glad to hear it. You’re quite active on Twitter. Who’s the most interesting person you follow?
A lot of people have started following Charlie Sheen, but I’m still not sure if it’s genuine. Steve Martin is good, he says some funny stuff. Otherwise I just follow other comics, really.
Is there competition between comedians as to who can be the funniest?
Yeah it’s horrible for that. You put something bland on and you think: Oh no, I’ve destroyed Twitter. There is a lot of pressure. I’ve been heckled too. In 140 characters it’s sometimes hard to work out if someone is laying into you or being nice.
You seem to have gone through an evolution of haircuts and beards. What are you going for at the moment?
The tache thing was very bizarre. I grew it because I’d never had one. I had it for a few months, and the reason I shaved it off is because it’s like having Marmite on your face. Strangers just feel compelled to comment. You’d get guys coming up to you saying, ‘Nice tache.’ But then you’d get blokes say, ‘What the hell is that on your face? You look stupid.’ And I’d be like, ‘Well thanks, I don’t even know you but thanks for your comment.’ But I’ve got short hair now and I think I’m going to stay with it – I’m 42. I had long hair for ages and was starting to look like one of those guys you see in bars, the older guys with long hair who make you think: The dream never quite happened for you, did it? I realised I was starting to look like that.
You appeared in Looking for Eric, a film about Eric Cantona a couple of years ago. What was that like?
It was amazing, Ken Loach – the director – is a legendary figure in film circles, working with him was brilliant. But it was actually more amazing meeting Eric Cantona. I’m a Manchester United fan, so that was unbelievable. He’s very enigmatic, very alluring. You can see why women are attracted to him, but more why men want to be in his company as well. Absolutely lovely, too. We had a few hundred extras on set, all united fans. And he’d stay behind on set every day for an hour, hour and a half, taking photographs with them, signing stuff.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you’ve ever been offered as a comedian?
Erm… don’t f**k it up. That’s a jokey one that all new comedians tend to get before their first set. Comics are quite childishly bullying like that.
Have you ever been tempted to add a bit of music to your set? If so, what would be your instrument of choice?
I did once, I used to play a recorder. I decided that if I was ever going to follow anyone with a guitar, I’d have a recorder in my back pocket. But if I was going to add one now I’d probably use a keyboard. Guitar’s been done to death. Oh no, Bill Bailey does keyboards. Um… harmonica. Has anyone taken the harmonica?
Yeah, a guy who played here last month had a harmonica in his set.
Ah sod it. What about the xylophone, anyone done that?
Nope, don’t think so.
Brilliant. Xylophone it is.
Mick Ferry will be appearing at The Laughter Factory comedy night, taking place on April 12 at Heroes, Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street. Tickets cost Dhs115 and are available from www.timeouttickets.com
