Love to laugh? Or simply need a few more giggles in your life? The good news is that The Laughter Factory is bringing some of the funniest comedians on the circuit back to Abu Dhabi.
If laughter is the best medicine, the capital is about to become heavily medicated. On January 15, Heroes bar in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi will welcome the return of The Laughter Factory, a travelling stand-up performance with a new lineup.
Every month, The Laughter Factory introduces three international comedy acts. This month, Justin Moorhouse, Paul Sinha and Mike Gunn will be performing. Each bring their own style to the stage – and TOAD spoke to two of ’em.
Justin Moorhouse is an English comedian and radio DJ from Manchester in the UK. Now 43, he was a salesman until he was 25, but despite his late foray into comedy he has established himself as a significant figure in the world of making people laugh.
What are some of the themes of your act this January?
I’ll be talking about my life and my dog, bits about my travels and whatever else pops in.
What are you looking forward to the most in your trip to the UAE?
A little bit of relaxation. Even though it’s work (as I tell my other half), what’s not to like about coming out for a bit of sunshine and fun?
Do you have any special tricks for dealing with nerves before a show?
No! I welcome nerves – they mean I’m preparing.
Who are some of your favourite comedians?
Les Dawson is my all time hero. I also like Billy Connolly and my current favourite is Louis CK.
When did you know you wanted to be a comedian?
I came very late to it – I was 29. I always wanted to do something creative but I couldn’t paint and realised that I was never going to play for Manchester United. I thought I better do something about it so I went to a few open-mic nights and it went okay!
What do you like better, being on screen or on stage, or on radio?
On stage. I love stand up, everything else I do is a bonus.
Some comedians say there are different types of laughs from audiences. Do you agree? What do you think makes a good show?
Good lights help; the rest is down to the comedian. Audience reaction can depend on the night of the week, time of month, the weather, even the economic mood!
Have you worked with the other two acts, Mike Gunn and Paul Sinha, before?
I know them very well, so I’m glad to be spending time with them in the UAE. We talk about everything – apart from comedy!
Where do you get inspiration for your act?
The monthly requirement to pay the mortgage. Paul Sinha is an English comedian, broadcaster and doctor. Yes, doctor. He is best known for his appearances in the ITV game show The Chase.
What can UAE audiences expect from your set this January? Did you have any concerns about preparing for a show in the Middle East?
My set is the usual thing – my life story delivered as a series of jokes and anecdotes. There are certainly a few twists and turns, and a mild degree of sociopolitical comment, but mainly it is storytelling with gags. I’m something of a veteran of the Middle East comedy circuit now, and as such I have no specific concerns.
What are you most excited about upon returning to Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
The gorgeous climate and the amazing food. As well as the fact that the gigs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are consistently enormous fun.
What’s your favourite thing to see or do in Abu Dhabi?
I have been to Abu Dhabi a few times. The seafood buffet at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is spectacular, as is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. But what I love most about Abu Dhabi is its more relaxed pace of life compared to Dubai.
How do you handle pre-show jitters?
If you never had any kind of pre-show jitters, then stand-up just wouldn’t be exciting. I don’t mind jitters at all. They make you feel alert and alive, and are part of being a comedian. Whenever I get nervous I remind myself “You chose this path”.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
My resolutions are the same every year and I rarely enjoy much success with them. Be more financially prudent, eat more healthily, do more exercise, but still try and live life to its fullest.
Catch all three acts at the Laughter Factory show on January 15 at 9pm. Dhs140, for tickets visit www.timeouttickets.com, Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6166).
