10 minutes with…Matt Reed
Teesside comedy fans have taken Sunderland comic Matt Reed to their hearts so much that he’s already been dubbed an ‘adopted Teessider.’
And now the hugely-popular Ten Feet Tall compere is hitting the stage with his own one-off solo show at Stockton’s ARC on Saturday 13 April.
“Adopted Teessider?” laughed Matt. “It’s quite the honour. I find it pleasing and baffling in equal measure that anyone chooses to accept me in any way.”
Looking forward to the new show, Look At My Bloody Brilliant Poster, Matt said: “A lot of people have probably seen me compere and be chatty, and that’s what I’m going to be – chatty.
“The title of the show was just an extra joke. Most one-man shows are themed, but I don’t write like that. I like the night to go wherever it goes because of what happens on the night – like all good nights should.
“I was persuaded to do the show by Peter Vincent from Ten Feet Tall more than anything. He’d use subtle hints and say, ‘Are you going to do this show or what, you lazy t**t?’ See, almost subliminal…
“So the show will be a rare one-off. To do it again it would have to be something massive, something huge, or something expensive. Or probably just gin.”
A regular at clubs in the region – including a recent flirtation with The Stand’s panel show, Fuckwits – Reed was quick to praise North East comedy fans as amongst the best in the country.
“Teesside and North East gigs in general are always my favourite, and it’s all down to the crowds. [Ten Feet Tall clubs] Catch 22, Big Mouth, Hot Potato and the wonderful Saltburn newcomer Brass Neck all have the best crowds you could hope for.
“I don’t mean to sound like I’m slavering on, but it’s a fact that comics from all over the country always make sure they’re back asking for a return gig after working at any of these places.
“I chose ARC because it’s a perfect room for comedy. I’ve gigged there that much I couldn’t be more at home anywhere else. I know that stage inside out. It’s almost like doing a gig in my living room.”
However, he added: “The best gigs are always the most unexpected. I’ve been held above a bouncer’s head, I’ve been topless, naked, and I’ve got a 19-year-old boy his first kiss off a girl in front of 2,000 people at a festival. I’ve done gigs in a cave, up a mountain, too drunk, too ill, and with broken ribs. But I love my job and I can’t see it changing anytime soon.”
Matt Reed: Look At My Brilliant Poster! is at the ARC, Stockton, on Saturday 13 April 2013. For tickets, see: arconline.co.uk or 01642 525 199.
