Our Nicky is taking on Tough Mudder in a few weeks’ time (yep, that utterly bonkers route where you crawl under wires dishing out electric shocks) and it made me think about my own exercise regime which is on a par with that of a cardboard box’s.
However before hastily joining a gym, I came across this beauty:
‘Maciej Buchowski, a researcher from Vanderbilt University, conducted a small study in which he measured the amount of calories expended in laughing. It turned out that 10-15 minutes of laughter burned 50 calories.’
Nice one Maciej. So here are five funny guys that mean I can keep eating cake:
Keith Allen
Proof that age knows no bounds when it comes to rocking. Dad to singer Lily and actor Alfie and married to local lass, actress and artist Tamzin Malleson. Keith, who has given us inimitable performances such as the mysterious Hugo the corpse with a large suitcase of money in Shallow Grave and the same character again in Trainspotting. More recently he’s donned the fake tan and superb spanish accent for in Suntrap as Señor Big. Keith started life as a stand up comedian opening for rock bands like The Clash and he’s a bit of a songbird himself having co-written the earworm ‘World in Motion’ with New Order.
You probably wouldn’t want to take on Keith Allen in a fight but nowadays it’s said he’s more likely to be chasing off badgers worrying chickens in the back garden than chasing the dragon in the back of the Groucho….
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Alexander Armstrong & Ben Miller
Our Xander isn’t content with playing the fool with sidekick Ben Miller, he’s also an accomplished singer and TV presenter. He made Pointless cool to admit you watch afternoon quiz programmes and who could forget the hilarious ’12 drinks of Christmas’ he made with his brother-in-law Giles Coren. Just to see their drunken banter was worth the TV licence fee alone.
As well as his acting prowess with a ton of roles from Dr Who (you have to read this diary of his time on set) to Death in Paradise and let’s not forget the superb Ballot Monkeys, Ben can also play guitar, drums and is a bit of boffin demonstrated with his brilliant book: ‘It’s not Rocket Science’ making sense of all those things you didn’t want to get caught having to explain at a drinks party ‘Sooooo, apparently you can tell us what a black hole is?’
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Dom Joly
Probably safe to say that the nation is divided in its feelings for Dom. Love him or hate him you can’t deny he’s a funny geezer. I still chuckle at any mention of his Trigger Happy moments that had everyone wishing they had the nerve to say bonkers stuff to tourists and wind up lovely old dears in the park.
His sometimes acerbic column in Cotswold Life probably gets a lot of letters hurled at editor Mike Lowe but he’s honest, scared of no-one and I love that he’s become a regular feature on the local celeb tour pretty much from the moment he started throwing stones at the bus.
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Jon Wagstaffe
Playing at this year’s Cheltenham Comedy Festival, Jon is the (relatively) new, very funny kid on the block having got into comedy only a few years ago. We like his swagger and thought Rock the Cotswolds should get to know him a little bit better:
You grew up in Tewkesbury, what are you most vivid memories from there?
Even though it wasn’t long ago I’d have to say the floods of 2007. It was a difficult time for the town and pretty grim but at the same time there was a real sense of spirit and unity in the community it made me feel very proud.
When did you decide to make a career out of comedy?
I started on the comedy ladder in 2011 (funnily enough in the venue this years show is in) so not really all that long ago. I do still work part time in the construction industry too.
What’s your favourite part of the Cotswolds?
It’s got to be Tewkesbury. I’m a very keen angler so as its where the rivers Severn and Avon meet it’s perfect for my needs.
Who are your friends mentioned in your billing at this year’s Cheltenham comedy festival?
We’ve got Martin Semple as the Host for the evening and brilliant support from Philip Cooper and Josh Pugh. I’ve know these chaps for years and I’m chuffed to be working with them.
Who makes you cry with laughter?
My girlfriend Emma. She’s very funny although I’m not sure she always realises it.
If you could pick two comedy acts to see at the Cheltenham comedy festival who would they be?
Me Obviously. As always with the comedy festival there is something for everyone but I’m a really big fan of the lads from the noise next door. It’s improv at its very best
We’re hoping your Blue Peter tattoo is real? If it is what’s the story…
It most definitely is. I desperately wanted one as a child but never really had the skills to warrant one so as an adult I decided to award myself one. It’s a good thing to have in your arsenal as its got me into a few venues for free in recent years.
Er, we see that the fantastic Cliff Richard appears on your website and on t-shirts. Please explain….
I can’t really and I’m not really a fan. I bought the first one a few years back for about £2 in a charity shop and it just escalated I’ve got 18 now. It’s got so bad that other acts now buy stuff for me. An act called Chris Purchase gave me a Cliff tea set last year which was nice of him
If you unexpectedly found £10 in your pocket what would you spend it on?
WINE
Tell us a secret.
I like wine more than I like most people
Last but not least……
If you had to name a person, place or event that you think Rocks the Cotswolds who or what would it be?
I’d say the Wychwood festival. It’s a great event and I’ve been going since the second year as a guest and I’ve been lucky enough to perform in the comedy tent on two occasions. It has a great feel about it and is suitable for the whole family and gets bigger and better every year.
Posted by Melissa at Rock the Cotswolds
