Innocent tickles, wicked laughter

Jeff Innocent is one of three funny men who's coming to town to make you roflol. The Guide catches up with the one time chimney sweeper, fruit and vegetable stall holder and fishmonger on what makes him better than laughing gas

Comedy Store's coming to town, and we're already sold. Jarred Christmas, Jeff Innocent and Phil Nichol are a team of three British stand-up comics who believe in nothing but laughter. We trapped Jeff to talk about his maiden visit to the country, and what gets him cracking on stage.


Ain't I funny: Jeff Innocent	Jarred Christmas

Phil Nichol

What made you what you are?
I belong to a world where smiles were a rare sight. I hail from East London, and my family has had a criminal history. For obvious reasons, my dad never wanted me to follow his footsteps, so I went to college to study history and philosophy. By the time I graduated, stand up comedy was 'the' thing. This career was lucrative, and I wanted to do this.

Drugs or comedy, what gives a better kick?
Definitely laughter. It's the most successful means of rejuvenation and destressing. You can never get bored of it. The biggest example of this is that even in the times of recession, people are willing to spend money to chuckle. Hilarity is a universal thought.

What, according to you, are the funniest and saddest parts of comedy?
The funniest part of comedy is obviously when people laugh at your jokes and you manage to destress them completely once you are on the stage. The saddest part is when you have to come down after your act, and obviously when the audience doesn't find your jokes that funny!

How do you spot a subject of laughter?
It could be anything under the sun. A fashion statement gone horribly wrong, a funny looking person among many other things. You do not really need a reason to laugh; it can be something very simple.

Any apprehensions, since you're here for the first time?
Frankly speaking, I am pretty much blank. This is my maiden visit to India and I am quite excited and nervous at the same time. The Indian sense of humour might turn out to be a little different, so I guess it will take me a show or two to get into the Indian comedy act. I am more of a sociological comedian, so lets see how the Indian audience accepts me.

What do you think of other stand-up comedians like Russell Peters and Papa CJ?
Well, I am not too familiar with CJ, but yes, I know Russell personally, and I must admit that he is very good. He is very popular in this part of the subcontinent, and probably knows the tastes of the audience all too well.

Is the era of comedians coming to an end?
No, I don't think so. On the contrary, I think it is just starting out. Nowadays, there is nothing called a comedian or an actor. Entertainer is the buzzword.

Finally, what separates a good comedian from a bad one?
To put it in one word, it's honesty. Both good jokes and bad jokes stem from deep within, and if you are not honest, there is no way you are going to make the audience laugh.

When: Tommorow
Where: Epicentre Gurgaon
Timings: 6.30-8.30 pm, 9-11pm October 8
Where: India Habitat Centre
Timings: 6.30-8.30 pm, 9-11pm
For tickets, log on to: https://www.bookmyshow.com/
Call: 022-39895050
Prices: Rs 1000 onwards