One man muppet sitcom:
Get to know Paul Zerdin
Amber Christina Phillips interviews Paul Zerdin - who is currently on his UK tour ‘Sponge Fest’, about why he began playing with puppets and how this led to him being a stand-up comedian with a difference.
How did ventriloquism as a hobby transcend into a career?
Well I’d always been a bit weird as a child. I got a box of tricks for a Christmas present at about the age of 9, so I use to do tricks. I also use to like dressing up in my mums frocks…! So I knew from an early age I wanted to get up on stage and show off.
So… why the puppets?
I use to love doing puppet shows as a child and I was also really in to close-up magic. I was one of those annoying nerds who comes up to you in a restaurant when you’re having a romantic meal and says “hello would you like to pick a card,” so by teaming magic and ventriloquism I began my career.
Was there a key moment that you realised you could make people laugh?
I knew I had something, I knew I had an ability and I knew I was able to entertain. But there wasn’t a particular moment. My stints on children’s TV gave me the spur I needed, and when you have a few mini successes it makes you think: ‘Oh blimey, this is possible, and it’s achievable’.
What would you describe your act as?
Well… without sounding too pretentious, I would say the show is a one-man-Muppet sitcom. It is stand-up comedy primarily, but I’m using the ancient art of ventriloquism. But I’m not just a bloke standing there with puppets for the sake of it! There are characters in the show that relate to real life. There’s Sam who is a teenager and going through a difficult time, there’s Sam’s grandfather (Albert) who is a bit deaf and senile and then there’s the baby who is Sam’s younger brother and is being misled by him.
Do you have a favourite alter ego that you like doing?
My most popular is Sam, the kid, but it chops and changes. I love the humour I do with the baby. It’s all about playing with real life situations and seeing the funny side of more serious situations. The old man character, Albert, his face makes me laugh every night I do a show. The comedy comes from the characters and the situations. Anyone watching the show will find something in one of the characters that they relate to.
What would be your dream gig?
I have performed all over the world. But one of my favourite venues is the Comedy Store in London – it is built for comedy and it is just one of the most brilliant places to perform. I’m very privileged to be able to go out and sell tickets and I really don’t mind where I perform. I’ve been lucky enough to work The Palladium a few times and that was really special, so maybe to sell-out The Palladium – that would be a goal.
And what makes you laugh?
Oh that’s a good one… I was a massive fan of The Muppets growing up and Sesame Street was a huge influence. I like everything from Laurel and Hardy to Peter Sellers to The Goons to Jerry Seinfeld. I think one of my favourite comedians is a Canadian comedian, Stuart Francis and also Michael McIntyre – so it’s a real mixture. Bob Monkhouse will always be one of my favourites, too.
Speaking of Seinfeld – do you watch Curb Your Enthusiasm?
Yes! I love Larry David! I am a massive fan; I can’t wait to watch the new series.
And on that bonding note, I let Paul get away to prepare for his show later this evening. You can check him out for yourself: www.paulzerdin.com, or get a taster on YouTube! Paul is currently touring the UK. He performs at Whitehaven Civic Hall, on Monday October 3.
