Before his tour ‘Enter the Tonezone’ rolls into Nottingham next week, Impact Arts caught up with comedian Tony Law – the eccentric looking comedian with an outlandish act to match.
So, starting at the beginning, what first inspired you to become a comedian?
Just being an arse who needed validation through making people laugh.
How would you best describe your brand of comedy?
Gosh. I’m the worst one to describe because I’m not quite sure. Controlled madness perhaps? Yes. Controlled madness!
Are there any contemporary comedians who you admire?
Phil Nichol, who I’ve always thought was amazing. Sean Lock. John Luke Roberts., then pretty much tons and tons of them really. Those are the ones that come to mind right now but it changes all the time because there are dozens and dozens that I love.
You’ve been making ever more frequent appearances on television, especially comedy panel shows. Which have you enjoyed doing the most so far?
I like ‘Have I Got News For You’ probably the most so far as it seems the most unlikely for me to do. And I like ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ as well but they’re pretty much all really fun but those are the two I have the most fun on.
Do you enjoy TV or touring more?
There’s not really much difference for me. I find anything in front of an audience is just a lot of fun. I enjoy them both actually. I love showing off and acting like an arse. I don’t even really notice that the cameras are on me. Just acting like an arse is the same everywhere really.
What can we expect from your current tour?
Some heartfelt stuff, some crazy stuff and some surreal stuff. Hopefully original and hopefully just some good old bit of fun. Hopefully leaving with them all leaving feeling good!
Where did the name of the tour ‘Enter The Tonezone’ come from?
It was a nickname David O’Doherty, the comedian gave to me. ‘’Hey Tonezone!’’ he says. And the whole zone thing was kind of like entering your mind so my mind is the zone. Simple as that really.
And what’s your favourite part of touring?
I obviously like the show but then afterwards I enjoy signing things and talking to people after the show and taking pictures and stuff. Just meeting people who come to the show. I like that a lot.
And finally, what’s next for you?
The tour’s going to go all the way through til the end of January so after that, I have no idea! Probably coming up with a new show for Edinburgh then touring again. The cycle starts over again!
Tony Hall’s ‘Enter the Tonezone’ is at the Glee Club, Nottingham on Thursday 23rd October. For more information, see here
Joanne Blunt
