Comedy’s most prominent stand-up bassist, Jim Tavaré, joins Edinburgh Festival legend Adam Bloom and cheeky, but dark, Andy Askins in this month’s Punchline Comedy Club. He dishes on winning BAFTA Awards, appearing in Harry Potter and serving as butler to Wu Tang Clan’s mastermind RZA.
You started out with your maestro outfit and double-bass. How did you first get that idea and what was the initial reception? Was this quiet rare in comedy at the time?
I started at a time when the comedy world was full of crazy characters. In those days the persona was more important than the jokes.
On one occasion, I was booked to perform ten minutes for a charity benefit, so I thought I would try wearing the full tuxedo as a compliment to the double bass to really round out the comedy package. If it worked I would don tails forever. If not, they weren't paying me for the gig, so it wouldn’t matter. Fortunately it went well and added a complete new dimension to my act; one which would inspire me for years to come.
What do you think about the growing number of comedy-classical groups like MozART?
I admire the skills of these groups enormously but they sometimes lack personality. The more one can play the instrument however, the more material can be had. These groups tend to play to the upper echelons of society whereas comics have to play to anyone.
As a fellow bassist, just wondering if you've ever gotten laughs by just doing a bass solo? If so, how long do you have to keep going for those laughs to turn into boos?
I once played a jazz solo with [British entertainer] Bruce Forsythe on his TV show a few years ago. It was such fun and I practiced and practiced in order to nail my solo. The band conductor/arranger was a little worried about me because my style was unorthodox but he needn't have worried - the solo came off nicely. I think the audience appreciates when a comic can actually PLAY.
You also co-wrote The Sketch Show. Did you ever think you'd ever win a BAFTA Award for the show and how was that time period creatively for you?
We had absolutely no idea The Sketch Show would win the BAFTA but looking back on the first episode, upon which the show was judged, I think one sketch set us apart from the competition: the Toilet Sketch. It has become sort of a cult classic. I loved this time in my career. I bought a narrow boat which became my office and the place where my writing partner and I would shut our selves away writing countless sketches. When I got divorced I ended up living on the bloody thing!
What was it like on set on Harry Potter? How different is the real Daniel Radcliffe to the one he portrayed on Extras?
He was a very nice professional lad. Before takes on set we would natter about all kinds of things: learning to play guitar, books, philosophy. I think he was trying to discover who he was and where he fitted in to this crazy world.
You’ve performed many times for the Royal Family. Which Royal would make the best stand up?
Definitely Chas. I performed so many times for him one year he would recognize my new material. When I played at Highgrove House he showed me round his gardens. The first time I played for him, I got him to introduce me which I don't think he was expecting. When it came to it he forgot my name so he said: “Join me in welcoming… our friend from London.” After that, I referred to him as George.
You replaced Derek Deadman in the role of the Leaky Cauldron's landlord in the Harry Potter films. How did Potter fans and Deadman loyalists react to the switch?
I have no idea why Derek couldn't re-appear. I’m assuming he had another gig. Or maybe Alfonso Cuaron, the director wanted a different look. When we were prepping the character, Alfonso made countless references to Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein. I loved that movie so it was effortless for me to hop about in a hump.
I think the fans were OK because I did a big college tour in the US. When the students heard that Tom the Innkeeper was coming to town, the shows sold out. Harry Potter is utterly enormous in the US and my tour coincided with the last movie.
I love the business of acting which is why I settled in Los Angeles. I’ve done a few choice bits and bobs including a spot on Californication with David Duchovny. I played an English butler to [rapper] RZA who was cool to work with and had an unending stream of hilarious anecdotes. Quite a few horror roles seem to come my way, too. I’m currently in a scary US film out this month called Houses That October Built.
You supported Michael Buble in 2004 – just how wild did the backstage debauchery get on the tour?
My wife and I hired a camper and followed the tour bus across the depth and breadth of the country. Unfortunately, most campsites were closed because it was November so we ended up parking in the most unlikely of places. The oddest, and entirely unbeknownst to us, was a dogging site in Northumberland!
How would you describe your show?
Comedy AND music. Two for the price of one.
// 25th & 26th November, from 8.30pm, The Local Bar & Grill
Tickets can be purchased at The Local, REDSTAR Works Office (Near Big Smoke) or online here: http://redstarworks.com/comedy/. Alternatively, call Ian (139 0639 0437) or Anu (159 0137 9371).
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