Something to laugh about

Published on January 18, 2008

Stephen Frost is an English comedian known for his work in the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s.

 The Punchline Comedy Club is back and will be eliciting more massive rounds of laughter in Bangkok, with shows by four British comedians from the funny show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

Created in 1988, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" was originally a radio show on BBC Radio 4. The programme adopted the reputation from it's tradition of having the performers read the credits in a humorous or amusing style, and it was decided that it might as well be done as part of the programme rather than being done by a traditional BBC Radio announcer.

Later, the show moved to television Channel 4, with little change in format into an improvisational comedy show. Both the British radio programme and the British television series were hosted by Clive Anderson during their runs. Witty and sharp, the show lasted 10 seasons with 137 episodes in all. An American version of the series was hosted by Drew Carey.

Among the original cast of the show is Stephen Frost, a comedian and actor from Leeds. Frost is also known for his work with Mark Arden as part of the double act "The Oblivion Boys on Saturday Live". Veterans of the alternative comedy scene, he and Arden appeared regularly in "The Young Ones", and later had their own TV series "Lazarus and Dingwall" on BBC 2. The duo appeared in a series of British TV advertisements ending with the catch phrase "I bet he drinks Carling Black Label". Without Arden, Frost appeared many times on Radio 4's "Just a Minute", and the improvisation show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?". He has appeared on three episodes of "Have I Got News for You" and "Never Mind the Buzzcocks"

This time around in Bangkok, Frost is teaming up with three cast members from the show: Irish comedian Ian Coppinger, multi-talented entertainer Richard Vranch, actor and comedian Steven Steen and notorious stand-up comic Andy Smart. Before opening a comedic fiesta this Thursday, Frost gave Weekend an e-mail interview.

What are you up to now?

Doing live gigs at London's famous Comedy Store.

What do you normally joke about?

We joke about anything the audience suggests.

How do you rehearse?

No rehearsals! It's improvised, you live off your wits!

Are cultural differences the problems when you do live shows?

We have done this show for many years in many countries. Humour is universal, especially if you fall over.

What if the audience gives you dead air?

That never happens.

Is the show in Bangkok similar to the TV show?

Yes. The show will be like TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" only better. The show is totally based on audience suggestions so we can't prepare. In a movie there is usually a script you have to stick to, live you can do what you want! It's going to be fast, funny and furious. We are very much looking forward to coming to Bangkok and performing there. We've been before and always had a great time.

Who's your favourite comedian?

Tommy Cooper and Andy Smart.

What's the best thing about being a comedian?

Not having a proper job. Freedom.

The Punchline Comedy Club featuring Ian Coppinger,

Andy Smart, Richard Vranch, Steven Steen and Stephen Frost is putting on performances at 9pm from Thursday until January 27 at The Bull's Head, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 (BTS: Phrom Phong). Tickets are Bt1,800, available by calling (02) 233 4141-2, (02) 234 3590 and great

britishpub.com.

Manta Klangboonkrong