Q&A: Philip Simon

Q) Where and when was your 1st ever gig? How'd it go?
A) I did a course in London and the Showcase of that was in Camden. It was meant to be the “friendliest gig you’ll ever do” but one of the other acts had some friends in who were drunk and fighting, so I was brought on to do my maiden 5 minute set directly after a fight had been broken up. Fortunately it went well and I was able to do my stuff, but every gig after that was a dream!

Q) Who/what were your main influences when you first started out as a comedian?
A) Other comedians on the circuit. I came from an acting background, which was far less supportive, and here I was on my 2nd gig working with TV names who were interested in you as an act and happy to talk about comedy, give feedback etc.

Q) What has been your biggest achievement to date?
A) I was awarded the Jewish Comedian of the Year 2015

Q) If you weren't a stand up comedian what would you be?
A) That annoying guy in the office convinced he’s the funny one!

Q) What has been your favourite gig to date?
A) Too hard to specify, but having grown up in London my favourite gigs are when I leave the bubble of the South and head North. I love gigging in Liverpool, Manchester and surrounding areas.

Q) And your worst?
A)Were you not reading Question 1?!? Actually, that wasn’t the worst. I think for me the worst was one where I had a lot of family and friends in and after 10 minutes of solid laughs, I said something the audience collectively decided they didn’t like and it’s like the previous 10 minutes meant nothing and the next 7 were horrible!

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A) Radio & TV panel shows, writers’ rooms for these shows also, as well as working as an actor and writer on sitcoms, but still gigging live also. That’s where the real buzz is.