Mike Wozniak: Comedy, Chaos, and Curious Inspirations
In a revealing interview, comedian Mike Wozniak shares insights into his comedic journey, from bizarre preshow rituals to unforgettable heckles. Known for his witty and offbeat style, Wozniak delves into the inspirations behind his latest show and the quirks of his career.
The Path to Comedy and Material Hunting
Wozniak humorously explains his entry into comedy, claiming it was driven by a quest for a hidden map to the lost city of Paititi, supposedly concealed in a comedy club's green-room toilet. "Doing standup seemed the best way to gain access," he quips, adding that the search continues. When asked about sourcing material, he laments the closure of Woolworths, once a reliable spot, now leaving him to struggle for inspiration.
Favorite Gigs and Pivotal Moments
Reflecting on standout performances, Wozniak praises Always Be Comedy in Kennington, south London, as the finest comedy club in the land, and the Machynlleth comedy festival for its excellence. For Exeter locals, he recommends Locally Sourced at the Little Drop of Poison on Fore Street, a weekly scratch night curated by Will Adamsdale, featuring new acts and experimental routines.
Preshow Rituals and Unforgettable Gigs
Wozniak's preshow routine is anything but ordinary. It includes a one-legged dance, ear candling, self-SodaStreaming, ironing a bishop's shirts, screaming into a cheese and onion crisp packet, and Duolingo practice if time allows. When recalling a particularly bad gig, he notes "high levels of empathy failure" in the question, preferring to focus on more humorous mishaps.
The RAF Heckle and Its Aftermath
One of his most memorable heckles was non-verbal and highly effective. An RAF officer at an air base show, displeased with a sketch about the Queen Mum, set off a fire alarm. "Game, set and match," Wozniak admits, reflecting on the recklessness of youth and the sketch's disregard for the 'R' in RAF. He humorously links this incident to the lack of knighthoods or honors for those involved, questioning if it's mere coincidence.
Inspiration Behind 'The Bench' and Personal Insights
His latest show, The Bench, is inspired simply by a bench, with Wozniak promising audiences no prior bench experience needed. He describes his relationship with benches as deeply personal, to be explored fully in the performance. When asked what recently made him laugh, he credits a private joke with his sister, keeping the details confidential.
Advice and Current Projects
Wozniak recalls the worst advice he ever received: "Try pouring red wine on it," without specifying the context. His best advice is a balanced reminder: "It might not be going as badly as you think (but it might be)." Currently, he's tackling a leaky roof, showcasing his down-to-earth approach amidst the comedy chaos. Mike Wozniak's tour, The Bench, continues across the UK until 12 November, offering fans a glimpse into his unique comedic world.
