Jimeoin: "So, what brings you to Edinburgh?"
The Skinny had a friendly chat with comedy legend Jimeoin recently. A very friendly chat...
Jimeoin: Gadaffi's just died...
The Skinny: I haven't been looking at the news.
Jimeoin: Yeah he just died. Kinda distracted with that. So what's this?
S: It's just a quick interview...
J: For?
S: For The Skinny!
J: The Skinny is?
S: The Skinny is an underground culture magazine for Scotland.
J: Oh.
S: It's basically for the upcoming gig in Musselburgh.
J: Right....where's that?
S: It's in Edinburgh.
J: Oh. Im actually in Aberdeen as we speak.
S: Cool, yeah, I was looking at your schedule and I see you're off to Brighton after Aberdeen. Who did that to you?
J: Yeah, some terrible woman. Y'know how these things are.
S: So, I see you started your tour in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Why there?
J: Well, I'm from around there. And it just seemed to make sense.
S: So am I!
J: Really? Where are you from?
[Cue general Northern Irish banter.]
S: And coincidentally I lived in Australia for a while as well.
J: Really? Whereabouts?
S: Brisbane, Queensland (It's at this point the realisation dawns that maybe Jimeoin is more interested in talking about anything that isn't him). So, what took you to Australia?
J: Well, I was in London for 4 years. Just had enough of it so left. Then Australia was just kind of the place to go really. And the weathers great as well y'know?
S: And how do you find the comedy scene here compared to there?
J: It's almost on a par. It's really strong here though. I've been doing comedy for 22 years now and I still do Edinburgh, mainly 'cos I have family here and they can come and see me. And I must admit I'm starting to get a bit of a following here so decided to come tour and give it a bit more of a push. Yeah, I really enjoy Australia as well and travelling around it as a touring act was like having a free holiday as a back-packer.
S: Completely different way of life down there though.
J: There is. And it's very warm all the time. Although, more people come to comedy here.
S: Why do you think that is?
J: Well, I think it's just got a really good backbone and style and the people here enjoy it. It's almost like going to see a band. People enjoy the performance as well as the material. The Edinburgh Fringe is a great showcase for talent. The Pyjama Men, they really stood out for me this year.
S: So are you coming back to the Fringe next year?
J: Dunno yet, haven't decided.
S: Do you normally plan things out or just see how it goes?
J: Nah, you normally need to plan a long way ahead but I just don't know where I stand on it at the minute. I'm gigging until July next year but don't really know what I'm doing after that.
S: And any gigs on this tour you're specifically looking forward to?
J: Edinburgh of course, but I would say that. So, what brings you to Edinburgh anyway?
It's at this point it becomes abundantly clear that Jimeoin believes more in friendly banter than self-promotion. Bravo Jimeoin. Well played sir..