Award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and food lover Jim Gaffigan makes his live Bangkok debut at Siam Square's Scala Theatre tomorrow night, where fans can get a taste of his observations on parenting, food and life. His show will feature all-new material as part of his latest "Quality Time Tour". We spent some, erm, quality time with the family man and humorist to see what's in store for the funny father.
Are you excited to perform and meet fans in Thailand?
I am super excited to perform in Thailand. I'll have my children with me and I plan to leave them in Thailand.
What can we expect from your Quality Time show?
It's all new material different from "Noble Ape" and my other specials that are streaming on Netflix. I'm really excited to share this new material.
How do you prepare for each show, especially since this is your first show in Thailand?
I will be doing some research on Thailand, but having done numerous international shows I find the best material is first-hand knowledge from being in the country. I think it's important to do research and acknowledge the cultural differences and from there that is where gems of material come from.
Will you tailor your comedy routine for the Thai audience?
Fortunately I don't really have to tailor my material. That being said, there will be material that will be unique to Thailand and my experience here. I had material in my last show about how taking a cab in Thailand is very different from taking a cab anywhere else in the world.
You are one of the most successful stand-up comedians around. What does it take to become a good stand-up comedian?
I think the most important element is persistence and that persistence is associated with performing and writing. There is a relative amount of insanity you need to embrace and there is a long period when you won't get the results you desire but you need to keep going.
You're described as a ‘clean' comic. Does that limit your creativity? Were you, at some early point, more into profanity and had to give it up or do you think you're better off without it?
It is my belief that comedians do the type of comedy they are going to do, anyway. And they get credit or criticism for it. I do comedy that I think is funny. Some of my favourite comedians are dirty. I think some of it is my family culture and where I grew up has made my comedy not centred on shock or filthy language.
What do you try to achieve with your comedy?
In the end, it has to be funny. That is the only objective I am looking for. Funny. People may describe my comedy as clean but no one is going to see a comedian because he doesn't curse. They are going to see him because he is funny.
You're a man of many talents -- writing, stand-up, acting and voice-over work. Which medium do you prefer and why?
I like to think that I am the best at eating. That is my forte, consuming food, preferably great tasting food.
Does the size of a venue make a difference, considering you have performed at Madison Square Garden? Which do you prefer -- large scale venues or more intimate locations?
Performing at Madison Square Garden was an amazing experience but the more intimate the setting typically, the more fun the show. That being said, larger venues have become more and more intimate with technological advancement with audio and screens in the venues.
Any highlights from your ‘Quality Time Tour'? What are some proud and not-so-proud moments while on tour?
It's pretty much all positive for me. It's just a blast to be able to work and create more material.
The type of comedy you do is observational and they deal with simple topics yet they are presented in a hilarious and relateable way. How do you come up with material?
It's usually life, things that annoy me, things that are confusing to me.
Your stand-up routine deals with parenting, food and life; did you ever think about focusing on other observational topics or was this something you want to focus on?
I am always looking for different topics. Stand-up comedy is very much a self-assignment so there are always new topics. That's why I love travelling. You are thrust into different environments and exposed to different cultures and different things. That can be a reflection on how your culture is and how humans are silly. That's also one of the benefits of being a parent. You are thrust into different situations you might not be in or encounter being a single person.
Any life lessons you've learned and taken from each show?
A key element of stand-up is taking risks and I think typically as we get older, we shy away from risk because it's annoying and uncomfortable. Risk is the only place we can find reward.
Jim Gaffigan performs at the Scala Theatre tomorrow night at 7.45. Tickets are available for purchase at ThaiTicketMajor, with prices starting from B1,800.
