The Times Interview - Wade Jackson, Explain Yourself to PJ Taylor

Monday, 21 July 2008

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

AS a bloke said to him the other day, ‘aren’t you Mr Improv?’ That’s Wade Jackson, king of the improvisational comedy scene. He’s the geezer who has worked harder than anyone to promote the art of on-the-spot joke making and getting it fully recognised on the Auckland entertainment scene. The world champion Improv Bandits play Southside Comedy at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre next month, but the improv godfather won’t be making it. He severely damaged leg muscles out running recently and has a moon boot the size of a basketball attached to his foot and calf. But he tells us who’ll be on stage and what he knows about the world of improv.Mr Improv, when did you get turned on to improvisational comedy?How did the art of improv comedy emerge?How did the Improv Bandits form?What’s it like being at an international improv festival or tournament?How was it winning the world crown, at the global home of improv comedy, Chicago?Who are some of your favourite comedians and why?Who’ll be appearing for the Improv Bandits at Manukau?You have fingers in many interesting pies. What other business ventures are you focused on?Your brother Brandon played lock for Auckland and went on to a professional career in Japan. Did you play rugby and how did your career develop?What did you think about the All Blacks 2007 World Cup debacle?Wade Jackson fact fileBorn: Lives:Educated at:Favourite place in NZ:Admired showbiz people:Favourite NZ entertainers:If you could chat with anyone, who’d that be: