The Deaconator
An interview with Radio One DJ Tom Deacon
Tom Deacon's a pretty cool cat, and despite being 26, he's been around the block and back. For those of you who don't know him, he's a Radio One DJ and British comedian. He's even been on The Rob Brydon Show and Dave's One Night Stand. However, he's best known for being a funny man. A very, very funny man.
Tom's performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the past few years and 2012 see's him returning once again with his new show, The Deaconator. This year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs from the 3rd - 27th August and see's some of the world's top performers all in one place (if you're not thinking about going, you really should...)
We thought we'd catch up with Tom to talk about the Fringe and 'Gap Yahs'...
Hi Tom, so what's the Deconator all about then?
Well, it's about me trying to complete a sticker album in the attempt to feel complete myself at the ripe old age of 26.
What do you think of Edinburgh? Do you enjoy performing at the Fringe?
I think the Fringe is amazing for the punters, so many shows and a great night life, but for a performer it's one intense month! To describe it it's like 'Groundhog Day' everyday. I can't wait to get up there and perform my show to everyone who's coming.
Now over to travel (we really like travel) - How many countries have you travelled to?
13, but 14 if you count the Isle of Wight? (For the record, we do Tom - Ed)
What's your favourite and why?
I loved America, particularly San Francisco. I was on a tour across the state and I fell in love with the place. I ate the best cheesecake in the world, I cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge in glorious sunshine and I went to see the San Francisco 49ers play American Football at the Candle Stick park (I am now totally hooked on the sport).
What's the most fun thing you've done on the road?
When gigging in Luxembourg I went to the number one tourist attraction, a cemetery. I had to go after an American woman had got irate online and commented "it was a lot quieter than I thought it'd be"
Have you met anyone on the road that you've thought "yep, you're totally awesome. I love what you're doing..."?
When gigging around different places you always meet interesting people. When I was in San Francisco I met a guy called John at the 49ers game and we got chatting about what he did and he was in this band and travelled all around America gigging and watching American football. What a dude.
Who's your favourite comedian and why?
I don't have a favourite one if I'm honest. I have several that I love to watch for different reasons. Reginald D Hunter, Craig Campbell, Tom Stade, the list goes on. But I watched Terry Alderton at Latitude the other day and he blew my mind, he was awesome.
You talk about 'gap yahs' in your set - do you see that as the stereotypical backpacker?
A lot of my mates went on gap years but I didn't. I went straight to London to try and make a name in the comedy world. I got side tracked in the best possible way by hosting my own online show and on BBC2, then I ended up with my own Radio show. I'm slightly jealous of the gap year crew. I think those that look at people on gap years thinking its stereotypical only because they're jealous and would love to do it themselves.
Do you think gap years are a positive thing to do? Have you or would you take one?
Not everyone who goes on a gap year, will have an amazing time, but I think anyone who has grows as a person and at the end of it is more clearer in what they want from life; at least this is what I'd like to believe as I haven't been on one yet.
What are your 5 top tips for anyone attempting break into comedy?
- Observe things around you
- Observe how that makes you feel
- Carry a note pad around and jot down your ideas when they come to you
- Meet the people in the business and ask them for their advice
- Don't think that 5 top tips are going to be that helpful... trust your instincts
OK Tom, time now for some stupid questions - What three things would you take on a desert island?
My mates, food and drink
What's your favourite fruit?
The Mango, Obvs
Romantic meal with the girlfriend or beers with mates?
Right now whilst writing this I'd take the romantic meal. I haven't seen my girlfriend for awhile because of touring, and I'd hope the romantic meal would move on back to my place! I'm hoping my mates don't read this...
Cities or beaches?
City, that's where the food and drink is kept
Favourite Sunday roast?
Any that my nan used to make. You can't beat that
And to finish with, what's your best travel story?
There are many stories of me being a terrible wing man for my best mate in America. I was useless. There was also the time I hitch hiked to Dublin from Exeter with a mate; I didn't sleep for 40hours straight!
I think the best one I can think of right now is the time I went to Budapest on a stag do. It was the most fun I'd had over three days. We did loads of stuff like go to an international football match Hungary vs Sweden, went to chariot races, went to the baths, got lost on a pub crawl and had entertainment on the coach ride in to the city. But a lot of what happened on tour stays on tour, not for my sake but for those nearest and dearest!
Further Information
If you want to know more about Tom head on over to his Facebook page.
Tom will be performing Deaconator at the Pleasance Dome - Ten Dome, 1st - 26th August, 7.00pm. For tickets head to www.edinburghsbestcomedy.com
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