WELSH comedian and presenter Rhod Gilbert will finally (hopefully) get to perform his hit show The Book of John at University Concert Hall this Thursday April 7.
The presenter known to many for hit shows The Apprentice You’re Fired, QI, Would I Lie To You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks returned to stand-up after a seven year break.
Chatting to Limerick Post the comedian revealed that he didn’t give up on touring, he just ran out of material!
“I hadn’t done a gig for years, not since 2012. I hadn’t intended to retire.
I finished that tour, I didn’t have anything to say, I didn’t write anything
So I didn’t do any gigs!”
A lot has happened to Rhod in the decade since, most of it shite. He had a stroke, he struggled with infertility and he lost his mother.
Not much to laugh about there but as a result of his health scare Rhod needed a driver to bring him to work and that is when John came into his world.
“I thought things were rock bottom but then I met John.
“Having said that, the only reason I’m back doing standup is because of John, I would not be doing stand up again if it wasn’t for him”.
“He is my muse, my inspiration, he’s a godsend”
“This John bloke was driving me because I couldn’t drive. He started coming out with all sorts of shit so I thought there is a show in this. I started writing again.
“He is also the vehicle I needed, no pun intended, that allows me to talk about things like Alzheimer’s, stroke, and loss.”
Rhod has performed The Book of John well over 100 times now and the reviews are very positive (“brilliantly hilarious yarns,” “Gilbert’s most satisfying show for a decade,” said The Times)
And he is enjoying the reaction he is getting to this show – it is very different from any other comedy he has done.
“What I am enjoying is the different reaction I am getting. In the past people would come up to me and say – “I think you are funny, or don’t think you are funny.”
“Now they tend to be talking about their experiences.”
For the first time in his career, The Book of John sees Rhod talk about very personal issues that have happened in recent years.
““I have never done this before. I have done standup for 10 years and just ranted about duvets, or losing my luggage. It wasn’t personal, but for this show, its big subject is really personal.”
Your writer had a long chat with Rhod back in early 2020 about this show before it was postponed. We all know what happened next!
I followed up on that interview with the Welshman this week.
I first asked him if his opinion of John’s “banter and opinions” had softened somewhat in the intervening two years?
“Absolutely not! And he’s come out with some classics during the pandemic, so who knows, there may even be a sequel.
“But seeing as it has been three years now on this tour, I think I should get this one done before I start thinking about that.”
One happy outcome from the pandemic was Rhod’s podcast called ‘The Froth’ recorded weekly with his wife, comedy writer, Sian Harries and a long list of guests.
It is great fun with a lovely chemistry between the couple making each other laugh.
Any plans to collaborate and work on another series with your other half?
“Yes, we are only having a break because our other work has started to come back. Like being back on tour for example.
“But we are definitely going to do another series when we get time, hopefully in the summer. We love doing it.. and we don’t have to leave the house which is fantastic.
“In the meantime there are 48 episodes out there for people to discover and binge if they like it. It’s basically just me and my wife talking absolute Froth and any serious chat is strictly forbidden.”
For Rhod, The Book of John tour winds down this summer. And he seems pretty serious about creating a sequel at some time. But in the meantime the podcast will return and he has a new series Growing Pains coming out on Comedy Central.
“We filmed it a few weeks ago with some amazing guests like James Acaster, Dr Zoe Williams, Robert Peston, Prue Leith, Paul Sinha, Joe Thomas, Russel Kane and many more. “It’s a show I love doing because talking about being a teenager is hilarious and fascinating in equal measure. Hopefully, we will get the chance to record more series long into the future.”
The Book Of John with Rhod Gilbert plays at University Concert Hall this Thursday April 7. No Support, Rhod’s show begins at 8pm.
Booking at www.uch.ie.
