In 2017 comedian, BAFTA award winner, Harry Potter actor and double bassist Jim Tavaré was involved in a near fatal head-on automobile collision in Los Angeles where he has resided since 2009. He lived to tell the tale….
Returning to the Fringe for the first time in 20 years with his first narrative show and directed by Henry Normal, ‘From Deadpan To Bedpan’, he tells the story of how a quick trip to the shops changed his life forever. The show is a heartwarming and seriously funny tale of survival against the odds, strange forebodings, unbelievably massive American medical bills, a dog called Mr Kippy, and the ultimate DIY disaster.
After suffering catastrophic injuries (over 30 broken bones including 14 broken ribs and punctured lungs that later collapsed, multiple fractures, blunt force trauma to his head and chest, a broken neck and a hand that detached from the wrist) that left him in intensive care on life support, he spent the next year in recovery facing an uncertain future. But instead of letting trauma define him, he emerges inspired with a brand new show.
Jim Tavaré is internationally renowned for his award winning comedy act featuring Bassie (his double bass). Jim is best known for co-writing and starring in The Sketch Show (ITV) (with Tim Vine & Lee Mack) and playing Tom the Innkeeper in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He starred in his own TV series The Jim Tavaré Show (Channel 5) co-written with Ricky Gervais, and Jim Tavare Pictures Presents… (BBC2).
He’s also appeared on three Royal Variety Shows after becoming a favourite with HRH Prince Charles leading to Tavaré performing several private events for the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. He got to know and connect with Princess Diana over the years. By co-incidence the injuries he sustained in his car accident mirrored hers. This emphasizes the words of the surgeon that if this had happened 20 years ago, he would not have survived.
