Here at Pull The Other One, we like nothing more than to introduce you lovely people to some of the young, new talent that the London circuit has to offer. And Darren Maskell is no exception, having started out in 2008 he has built a reputation on the open mic circuit over the past few years with his brand of surreal absurdity. I thought it necessary to put a few questions to Darren, to find out a bit more about him before he takes to the stage next Friday at Herne Hill.
What made you want to come down to Pull The Other One?
A fellow comic by the name of John Kearns, (do look out for him, he is brilliant), recommended that I get in contact with the people who run it. He told me “Darren, they will LOVE you”. I like to be loved.
Could you describe your act for the members of the Pull The Other One audience that aren’t familiar with you?
A couple of years ago, a reviewer said that I was “like an extra from a television drama in which the opening scene is the out-patients ward in a psychiatric hospital.” I think the added mention that I’m more like an extra, is a stab at my inability to convince people I am a genuine mental patient. I’ve never tried to do this, but the fact that I seem to have the inability to do so saddened me.
How long have you been on the circuit?
My first gig was in July 2008. However, I made a documentary about an open mic comic at university, so was following him around the circuit for a year, so I was already familiar with what it was like and the many characters.
What brought you into comedy?
The documentary I made. (It’s on Youtube, just type in “Gravesends son”). I wanted to find the reason behind one person’s decision to take up stand up comedy. It’s not always about fame, as I found out. When I finished the documentary it sparked my curiosity to see if I could create a 5 minute routine. At the bottom of the open mic circuit everyone is eager to tell you that you’ve got to perfect your five minutes.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your material?
I think I get most of my ideas just as I’m drifting off to sleep. I think someone told me that this is when you process all of the thoughts you have had during the day. I might have dreamt that though.
You seem to use a lot of props on stage, which of course PTOO love – was this something you started out doing from the beginning?
No, not at first. I think my first prop was a bag of glitter that I would throw around, and then I gradually added more and more. I felt that sometimes a joke became funnier if I had a visual to go with it. It’s not something I set out to have in my set, and if I thought a joke would work just as well without one, I’d prefer to leave it out. Not that I have a problem with being called a prop comedian. I think I can say that if you were to see my act, you would agree that the use of props is justified and not something i use as a gimmick or crutch.
You have been on the open mic circuit for a few years now; do you find it difficult to make an impact with such a short slot – and more often than not to a mainstream comedy audience – as a surreal comic?
Reading audiences can be difficult. Sometimes I’ve looked at and audience and thought “I’m going to struggle to get them on board” but then I’ve done well. Other times I’ve been at a student gig where I thought that an audience in a similar age group would like me, but didn’t. A short slot does limit me in what I like to do, but it’s not impossible to win people over in a short amount of time.
Do you find yourself being quite selective with where you perform, with a view to reach an audience well versed in the surreal kind of comedy, away from the more mainstream circuit?
I have only been doing either gigs I have been asked to do or ones that I think will suit my style for the past year. I’m not interested in doing 3-4 gigs a week, running around, networking and all that malarkey. I’d much prefer to go and watch some comedy than perform as I find that more constructive. I think most new acts make the mistake of thinking that constant gigging is the key to getting better and have never really been to a proper comedy night or are familiar with some of the great acts out there.
How did 2011 treat you, and what does 2012 hold?
2011 was filled with injustices for me. I felt that I should have been shot into fame, maybe not mainstream fame, but at least critical acclaim was expected. I suspect 2012 will be the same.
With the rich history of 80s experimental comedy behind them, the PTOO team aims to generate a real sense of congeniality and affection for the art of comedy and variety, whilst creating a nurturing environment for both artist and audience. To book your ticket in advance click here.