Comedy Fest Q&A: Wade Jackson

Comedy Fest Q&A: Wade Jackson

Wade Jackson, IMPROV BANDITS

1)Tell us the name of your show
Improv for Parents starring The Improv Bandits

2)Which came first – the show name or the show content?
It’s improv so definitely the show’s name as the content will be created on the night

3)C’mon, be honest….
I am, it’s improv not stand up

4)Any other working titles for the show?
Nope. This is a show that delivers what it says on the tin – an improvised comedy show that parents can enjoy. We’re doing one for kids and thought it’s time that the parents had a special one too.

5)How long – honestly- have you been working on this?
Well, we’ve been doing improv together for 17 years but every night is different

6)What’s been the biggest challenge of pulling this show together?
No challenges. It’s fun doing a show that is a 100% fundraiser for a school (Michael Park School in Elerslie).

7)Who’s your biggest comedy rival – and why?
People who ask questions tailored only to stand up comedians and forget the comedy genre is much broader

8)Who’s your biggest comedy friend – and why?
Our audience. Because without them, it would just be a rehearsal.

9)Which show is your must see? Why?
We love the Covert Theatre’s Ferris Wheel show – it’s mind-blowingly brilliant.

10)Give us your definition of a great night out during the festival
Where you go to a show, have lots of laughs, enjoy a drink and then on the way home buy the winning lotto ticket

11)What goes through your mind, the minute before curtain goes up?
Is it time to go out on stage yet?

12)What about when you’re on stage?
Phew! Made it.

13)How easily distracted are you?
Sorry, what was that?

14)Give us your dream comedy line up
Little bit of Eddie Murphy, some Craig Campbell, and a flourish of The Flight of the Conchords

15)Just finally, where will you be in 5 years’ time
Right now we’re in Chicago performing in the world’s largest improvised comedy festival so I suspect we’ll be at some international festival. Somewhere a little warmer one hopes.

WADE JACKSON and the IMPROV BANDITS perform numerous shows as part of the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider (24 – 18 May).  For more info visit www.comedyfestival.co.nz