Britain-based comic artists Ian Stone, Paul Tonkinson and Sean Meo have been snooping around the city, trying to soak in Bambaiyya culture to make tonight's show unforgettable
Britain-based comic artists Ian Stone, Paul Tonkinson and Sean Meo have been snooping around the city, trying to soak in Bambaiyya culture to make tonight's show unforgettable
"Do you think it's okay to do jokes about relationships between men and women?" asks Sean Meo. "How about men and men?" asks Ian Stone. "Tell me, what is taboo in India?" Paul Tonkinson wants to know. It's only a few hours before the three artists give their maiden performance in Mumbai, and they are buzzing with questions.
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That's strange considering they've been observing Mumbaikars for the last 24 hours, jotting down mannerisms that they and their audiences might find funny.
These three guys have a tough task on their hands. They are torchbearers, here to show audiences what stand-up comedy is really all about. This show is a precursor to the launch of the Mumbai edition of The Comedy Store that opens later this year. To ensure that audiences connect with their performance, the artists have donned the role of detectives. "We've been soaking the culture. You have to connect with the crowd, so you have to talk about stuff they can relate to.u00a0 We've been looking around Mumbai and all the funny stuff, taking notes. We are comedy detectives," says Paul, wearing an expression of intense drama.
The three know that they can't get over-analytical about the city or its people. "I can't say: Here's my opinion about your city, after being here just 24 hours," confesses Ian. For the Mumbai shows they are expecting a much larger mix of people, so, they'll be thinking on their feet experimenting and juggling jokes right on stage.
Paul says, "We are like wizards or magicians, when it works. Sometimes, the magic just doesn't work..." And it's important that the audience lets them play. "If they let us be silly and mess around, we can do something special. So, if we don't do well, it's your fault. It's Mumbai's fault, because we are brilliant," he says cheekily.
Other than focussing on the city's idiosyncrasies, the three will take potshots at terrorists, politicians and relationships. "There are some things common between us. Mumbai knows about terrorist attacks as much as we do. We'll talk about that, make some jokes and tell people that it's okay. We are all in it together. It's us against the lunatics," says Ian.
At: ITC Grand Maratha, Sahar Road, Andheri (E).
Call: 39895050. Time: 9 pm. Tickets: Rs 2,500 per head (performance plus dinner).
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