Ian Smith is a stand-up comedian and actor, originally from Goole, which he calls the thinking man’s Pontefract.
He brings his show Half Life to Edinburgh this August
Ian Smith Half Life is at Underbelly Buttercup 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
Half Life is coming to Underbelly Buttercup what can you tell us about it?
My show is called Half-Life, it’s a stand-up show with multimedia and set pieces. It’s about why I entered Aylesbury Scrabble tournament, and is me telling quite a personal story but trying to disguise it with Scrabble and anecdotes about my and my brother going on holiday to Chernobyl
How does Half Life differ to other works you’ve written?
I think this is a much more personal show than previous years – usually I have a few overarching themes, but this show is much more about once specific thing that happened and how it shaped my year. I think the show has more heart, but I think it’s just as silly and funny as my previous shows.
Is it based on real events?
Alarmingly, yes – these are a selection of things that have actually happened to me this year that will be in the show: I went to Chernobyl, I entered a Scrabble tournament despite having no interest in Scrabble, I was trapped in a house with a family who owned a pet pigeon, my wedding had to be postponed, I got mugged by a man with a falcon and a cat took a shit in my rucksack.
What’s the one thing about Half Life that makes it different from all the rest?
At one point there is a ‘previously on…’ sequence to re-cap everybody on what’s happened in the show so far. I don’t think anyone else is doing that.
How does it feel to be at Underbelly Buttercup?
Really great – this will be my third year in the same venue and same time slot. I really love the Buttercup space I’m in, so I’m very happy to be back.
What would you say to people thinking of coming to see Half Life?
I’d say this: You seem like a sensible person making smart choices – but what’s this ‘thinking’ of coming along? Believe in yourself – trust your instinct. Book two tickets, even if you have no one to come with I’m sure you’ll find someone to come along on the day, being the charismatic and interesting person that you are. If you don’t find someone to come, I’ll get my tech Bruce to sit in the empty chair. He won’t be able to do any of his tech cues, but it’ll make the show a unique experience (Please come).
