It’s been a crazy few weeks, but Kung Fu Komedy Club enters the new year at their new home, The Camel, and their first big international booking of 2015. Johansson has graced the stages at the hottest comedy clubs across the world and recently won raves at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his hit show, Several Jokes.
When going to a new market, do you try to tailor your material for a new audience?
I try to keep my themes universal so I don’t have to change too much, there’s just so much we all share around the world when it comes to laughter. From the Inuit to Africa we are insecure about our bodies, frustrated in love and dealing with change. But I like to add my local observations to the mix as well.
How would you describe your comedy and who were some of your biggest influences?
My present show bubbles with the idea of being vulnerable and how it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I enjoy thinking about bigger concepts and ideas mixed with silly. I’m not overly influenced by anyone too modern, but I certainly wasn’t influenced by Bill Cosby. Promise. I was always a Newhart and Pryor fan.
Canada has quiet a thriving comedy community...
It's amazing how it's become s national export for us! Some great Canadian acts you might like are Brent Butt, Derek Edwards, Jon Dore, and a new up and comer Seth Rogan.
Being Canadian, I know how huge hockey is over there. Did you brag a lot as a kid that your father won the Stanley Cup?
Ha! I never told anyone. I kept it to myself and when people found out I'd run. I actually don't like hockey, I can't even skate. I'm proud of him, but it was always weird how important it was to everyone. I was always into books, and theatre.
Speaking of family, your brother starred in One Tree Hill. How many One Tree Hill jokes have you made over the years?
Zero. Again, I never bring up my families accomplishments as they aren't mine. I'm glad my brother has found his successes but other than loving him, I don't have much interest in it.
You've appeared at numerous high profile comedy festivals like Just for Laughs and the Aspen festival. What is your approach when performing at these showcases?
Now it's different than it used to be. I try to be in the moment enjoying the excitement and fun, when I was younger I was so focused on making it as perfect as possible which is kinda pointless. Best just have fun.
Do you have any non stand-up projects?
I am working on a new radio show, and possibly a documentary about the origins of humor.
You’ve also done a few acting gigs. How’s the experience?
Acting is very weird. The amount of time that you aren’t doing anything at all is unreal. Actors are generally way more upbeat than comics, and they find a lot of the natural ribbing we give each other mean rather than funny.
Stand-up comedy is starting to flourish across China.. What advice do you give to anybody starting out?
Love it or leave it. If you don’t love comedy then just don’t do it. Comedy isn’t a path, it’s a destination and journey of its own. Also don’t get drunk and hit on the club owner’s wife.
2014 was a bit of a crazy year. What news story did you mine the most for material?
I’m planning on writing a very silly new show for 2015 since 2014 was pretty dark.
Is there anything you would like to add?
A cup of sugar and a bag of money (smiles).
// Jan 16, 8.30pm, RMB170-200 (tickets). Jan 17, 8pm, RMB170-220 (tickets) and 10pm (tickets). The Camel.
*****WIN!!!*****
We have a pair of tickets to give away. Simply e-mail win@urbanatomy.com with the subject ‘Pete Johansson’ by Jan 14 for your chance to win.
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