13th October 2015
James Alderson, local comedian and resident compere at the Tower’s comedy nights, tells us which part of the Spinnaker Tower view he likes the best in the video below, plus find out how he got into comedy and all about his ideal weekend in Portsmouth…
1. What led to you becoming a comedian?
I had always loved live comedy and been to loads of shows. I watched comedy all the time and one day, when I was 35 (which is ancient for anyone to start a career in comedy) I decided it was now or never!
2. Favourite comedian you’ve ever worked with?
I supported Jo Brand for a few dates over the last year or so and she is not only a legend, who started in comedy long before the big names we see around today who do these ‘arena’ comedy tours, but is an absolutely lovely lady, and completely down to earth to talk to.
3. Who is your greatest inspiration?
No comedians inspire me. My mum, my boys and wife are my inspiration. They remind me what life is all about, and are the reason I love to laugh.
4. Describe your ideal weekend in Portsmouth? Any hidden gems you’d like to share?
You can’t beat a sunny day at canoe lake and the beach. Some fun at the arcades, a game of mini golf, peddling a swan around the lake, and an ice cream the size of your head. All pretty standard for the Alderson family.
5. How long have you lived in Portsmouth?
I was brought up in Havant and only lived in Southsea for about a year when I was doing a flat up there. Saying that, I spent more time in Portsmouth than home as a kid, as I went to school in old Portsmouth from 7-18 !!
6. What is the Portsmouth comedy scene like? Is it busy or does Portsmouth need to up its comedy game?
When I first started comedy, there was a club in Gunwharf, one in Southsea and one in Havant. That was it. The scene is slightly better now, thanks to the Southsea comedy festival and the club I set up at Spinnaker Tower which now runs monthly. Other than that there still isn’t much comedy happening. So come down to Spinnaker. What else do you need??
Find out more about Spinnaker Tower’s upcoming Comedy Club nights here.
