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Times Interview Headlines
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Times Interview
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?
Started getting turned on to improv in 1994. I didn’t know what was happening to my body. I was getting all these strange sensations that could have been socially embarrassing, so I just kept it to myself. Only later did I realise that I was turned on to improv.
How did the art of improv comedy emerge?
My guess is improv has been around since one caveman realised he couldn’t draw so well on the cave wall and took up acting like a dick to distract others from his poor painting. Its roots are in theatre rather than comedy. It started emerging as an art form on its own with Commedia del Arte in 16th century Europe. But the form as we know it today, had two main pioneers, Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin, who started teaching it in the 1950s.
How did the Improv Bandits form?
In 1997, the only improv in NZ was the format Theatresports, which was waning in popularity. I was more interested in the narrative form of improv, as I’m drawn to storytelling without the competition elements. Their door was closed so I set up my own group.
What’s it like being at an international improv festival or tournament?
We don’t enter tournaments but rather travel to festivals. The world champ title we won was in Chicago. We were at the festival and got thrown into the competition part as last-second entries because the Los Angeles troupe pulled out. The festival director actually said that we were only ‘making up the numbers’. Then we won it, oh dear. Being at an international festival is wicked. Some of my best memories are from being on tour, meeting other improv people, learning new elements of the art form and having good times.
How was it winning the world crown, at the global home of improv comedy, Chicago?
That was in 2002 and a real highlight. It was one of those nights where the improv god, let’s call him Alexander, smiled down on us and said, ‘gents, tonight is your night’. That victory gave us an excellent reputation and we’ve been invited to many festivals since. In fact, we got invited and performed at a festival in Belgium in March on the back of that success. Again, in Belgium we had one of those nights where Alexander showed up during our improvised Shakespeare show and we ended up getting a standing ovation and three encores.
Who are some of your favourite comedians and why?
I like Eddie Murphy because he’s an excellent comedy actor and stand up comedian. I don’t listen to or watch much stand up, as it’s not my favourite form of comedy. Just watched the Flight of the Conchords back-to-back on DVD and loved it. Mike Loder is one of our country’s best stand up comedians and I’m not just saying that because he’s paying us [for playing Southside].
Who’ll be appearing for the Improv Bandits at Manukau?
There are eight of us in Auckland and two or three of us will be performing. Constantly rotating the performers helps keeps it fresh. The trick is for us to keep taking risks. We’re workshoping at the moment on some new skills. We’ve got short form improv, the games and the long form, like the big 90-minute stories nailed. Now we’re working on our scene vignettes. Regardless of who’s on, it’ll be a cracker.
You have fingers in many interesting pies. What other business ventures are you focused on?
Well, I’ve pitched an improv TV show, but it’s like banging your head against a brick wall dealing with NZ television people. Just ask the Conchords. On the corporate training side, we’re launching our product next year, which is very exciting and has been years in the making. I’m hoping this time next year I won’t have to tell you about it, as you’ll already know all about it.
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?
When you’re older brother captains the NZ Under 21s and trials for the All Blacks at that tender age, you leave the rugby to him. I stopped playing after high school when I went to Japan on a student exchange. They told me I was too big to play for the school. That’s when I started doing martial arts. I’ve been doing that since, although, now I’m more of a partial artist than a martial artist. Still like to keep my hand, feet, knees and elbows in, though, so make it to the odd training session.
What did you think about the All Blacks 2007 World Cup debacle?
The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that the refs are above criticism. I doubt the ABs played their best, but that ref [England’s Wayne Barnes] was making some shocking calls throughout the match, that I believe hugely contributed to them losing. Then we’re told to get over it and it’s just a loss. I agree, but the ref needed to be accountable too, everyone else is. Still watching and enjoying the games this year and I’ve actually watched a few of my brother’s team games this year. He’s coaching Grammar Carlton premiers. They’re doing very well and made history this year being the only team to beat Ponsonby consecutively.
Wade Jackson fact file
Born:
Grey Lynn
Lives:
Sandringham
Educated at:
many things
Favourite place in NZ:
home, every time
Admired showbiz people:
Naked Samoans, Flight of the Conchords
Favourite NZ entertainers:
John Banks, every time. That fellow opens his mouth, I’m laughing.
If you could chat with anyone, who’d that be:
Helen Keller, seriously. Total inspiration.