Comedy / Russell Hicks
Anarchic standup improviser Russell Hicks chooses Bristol to launch his UK tour
American comic Russell Hicks is an accomplished standup who counts lots of fellow comedians among his fans – including Jamali Maddox and Stuart Goldsmith.
With a sizeable social media following, his short videos have already introduced him to many. But it’s in a live setting that Hicks’ mastery is all the more apparent – not least, in his own words, by his “propensity to make it all up” as he goes along.
“I always talk about whatever’s going on,” he muses. “What’s happening in the room, in the audience, in the world. There’s no way I’m not gonna have to let loose and joke about what’s happening in the States right now.
is needed now More than ever
“Looking back at America from outside the country is like seeing a photo of yourself from 15 years ago, with a terrible haircut. You think, how did I ever think that was normal?”
Hicks is set to launch his 36-date debut UK tour, Happy To Be Here, at Bristol’s Hen & Chicken Studio on October 11.
He spoke to Bristol24/7 about what audiences can expect from coming along, his enduring love of British comedy, and the thrill of improvisation.
As an American, why do you choose to do comedy mostly in the UK?
“When I started in America, being a comedy nerd I used to research as much comedy as I could – which led me to find all of these comedians from around the world, specifically Britain. I also met an Australian comic who opened my eyes to the fact that there was a global circuit of comedians.
“I became obsessed with all of these – to Americans – obscure British comedians, and at that exact moment met a British girl who invited me to her home country for a bit. The first thing I noticed was that Britain valued the arts in a different way. There is a theatre tradition, and a celebration of the travelling troubadour that I think is lacking in the States.
“I always wanted to be as far away from where I grew up as possible, and so once I started working here, I just loved it. The long car rides to obscure British towns, I loved it. Still do.”
How would you characterise the British comedic sensibility, and how does it differ to the US?
“I’ve always said it like this. In America, they want the comedians to be great and the show to go well. In Britain, they are open to it going well, but also, they know they might have even more fun if it all goes wrong. So that gives the shows a certain kind of atmosphere.
“But that same attitude is what can make shows here so great. If they love you they will go with you and take the show to completely incredible level. They’re up for everything.”
You are known as an improviser who is used to going on stage with little to nothing prepared in advance. To what extent will the tour shows be distinct from one another?
“It’s hard to tell. I feel like the early shows, like the one in Bristol, will be heavily improvised for sure. I’ve let go of the idea that I will ever be one to do a tight scripted hour. A heavy amount of improvisation is when I’m having the most fun.”
What are the particular themes that you consider to be rich seams of comedic inspiration at the moment?
“I’m trying to go more personal these days. I feel like so much happens in my life, where I will be gifted some fully formed comedy moment, only to realise six months later that I never even considered talking about it for some reason.
“Honestly the most inspiration I get in comedy is from literally moving around. When I go to a new city or country I immediately start getting new ideas, because I’m so inspired by the new environment. So, to be able to do 36 different cities in the UK is so hugely welcomed by my brain right now.”
Congratulations on kicking off your tour in Bristol. Do you have particular experiences or expectations of the city?
“Definitely. At one point, all of the shirts I wore on stage were from Uncle Sam’s Vintage clothing on Park St. That place is awesome, and I’ll be popping by on the day of the show for sure.
“The whole vibe in that city sits well with someone from Southern California. As far as expectations, I expect to leave Bristol inspired to finally cut out even more meat from my diet and to be a better all round human being. I also expect myself to attempt a West Country accent to the point of annoyance to myself and all those around me. Also, we might pass Stonehenge. I’ll probably talk about that.”
Russell Hicks: Happy to Be Here is at the Hen & Chicken Studio on October 11 at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.thecomedybox.co.uk. Follow Russell @russellhickss.
All photos: Matt Stronge
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