The UK’s top ventriloquist brings his colorful crew of characters back to Shanghai with Punchline Comedy. In an impressive career, Zerdin has resurrected the art form while cracking up the esteemed likes of the Royal Family and the audience of The Jerry Springer Show. Check out our interview with the man with the hand and also our conversations with his puppets. (VPN on)
(VPN off)
What’s it like being a ventriloquist in the comedy scene?
It’s great. I get so much work for being different. My show is like a one man Muppet stand up sitcom. There's stand up about my life as a ventriloquist and then there's my relationship with the different chapters. I try to keep them from getting me into trouble with the audience. The material comes from the relationship between us all - like a dysfunctional family rather than just a bloke with a puppet doing jokes for the sake of it.
How did you get into ventriloquism?
I was a fan of The Muppets and Sesame Street as a kid and knew I wanted to do something that involved those type of characters. When I saw an American ventriloquist on British TV I thought, that's it! I learned from a book and it took me roughly two years to get the basics down. I’ve been doing it for 25 years now and I’m still not perfect.
No VPN? Watch Paul Zerdin on Youku.
Did you face any cynicism when you first started out?
Loads. I wanted to play the Comedy Store in London but they said they didn’t want a ventriloquist. My agent begged to let me have five minutes. I got in and tore arse, as we say. I’ve played it for 16 years and it’s one of my favorite gigs.
In 1996, you won The Big Big Talent Show. What was your act like and what opportunities did that open up?
Winning that show helped enormously as I was offered all sorts of live gigs like my own show in Blackpool, and lots of other TV spots like Royal Variety Shows, which just helps the profile.
Could you tell us about the puppets in your show?
I have a prepubescent kid who likes taunting me and the audience. He looks cute but has quite a mouth on him. Albert is his 85-year old grandad who still chases women but just can't remember why! There’s a baby who wants to be breastfed by a woman in the front row.
No VPN? Watch Paul Zerdin on Youku.
Has your success inspired newer acts or a renewed interest in other variety show forms? Is there anybody that you think our readers should know about?
I get lots of emails from kids and adults asking how to get into it and so I guess what I do does inspire people. I worked with a female vent Nina Conti about 10 years ago and thought she's going to be great one day. And now she is!
You used to have a hidden camera prank TV show. What was the most ridiculous one you managed to pull off?
One of my favorites was to check in to a hotel with a puppet on my arm and then order room service for two. When the waiter delivered the puppet started an argument with the waiter about not getting what he ordered! The waiter had a proper argument with the puppet!
Following your China tour, what are your upcoming plans and projects?
Writing a new touring show for next year and I am developing a TV format with a UK broadcaster.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I enjoy being spanked.
// May 22, 8pm, RMB290. Zapatas, tickets.
// May 23, 8pm, RMB290. Blossoms, 2/F, Kerry Hotel Pudong, tickets.
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We’re giving away a pair of tickets to Zerdin’s shows on our WeChat. For your chance to win, add Thats_Shanghai or scan the QR code.
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