Bath Lives - Bath Comedy Festival Special - Martin Dimery

Following rave reviews and sell-out performances on tour, Bath Comedy Festival spoke with Martin Dimery about bringing his hilarious solo Shakespeare revue back to Bath.

Describe your show in 3 words...

Culture for Cretins.

Have you been to Bath before? If so – what do you like about the City?

I live only 12 miles from Bath, and that's quite near enough. Bath's the only City I know where the you have to wear Versace to sell the Big Issue.

Where do you get the inspiration for your material?

Shakespeare, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Elvis, and a few others. My act isn't stand up its a comic revue. I enjoy parodying pop singers, so I guess my inspiration comes from Neil Innes and the Bonzo Dog Band.

When did you know you wanted to be a comedian?

A comedian? I consider myself a serious actor! It was after my debut as Hamlet, it was said I should take up comedy.

How do you deal with hecklers?

Encourage them. Then put them in detention.

What's been the most memorable gig you've done?

The Cavern, Liverpool - with Sgt. Pepper's Only Dart Board Band- the world's most hilarious Beatles tribute.

Who are your favourite comedians?

Ricky Gervais, Reginald D Hunter, Sean Lock.

What are the best and worst things about your job?

I enjoy touring- arriving in a town where I've never played before, and seeing the posters on display- like a wanted criminal, hoping to pass through without being arrested. It's good to get away unscathed. The worst thing about the job? Asking if any tickets have sold, and being told - "Well, they've started selling..." which translated means "There'll be two in."

Have you got any hidden talents?

No - any talents I have have always been paraded for the world to see. I'm not one for hiding my light under a bushel - or behind a bush - or whatever that may mean.

What's next for you after Bath Comedy Festival?

Stratford Fringe, Salisbury Festival, then back for the Bath Fringe, and the Sheffield Poetry Festival - because I conned them into thinking the act was cultural. In the Autumn I'm back with Sgt. Pepper's touring with a concert performance featuring the "Revolver" album. I'm a glutton for punishment.

Martin Dimery - Shakespeare Rattle and Roll is at The Assembly Inn (Festival Bar) on Friday 5th April - click here for more details.

This interview appears courtesy of Bath Comedy Festival - click here to visit the official website.