TGt Meets... Joe Pasquale

Ahead of the 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em' show at the Wyvern Theatre, we thought we'd have a chat with comedian, actor and presenter Joe Pasquale about his role in the show!

What can the Wyvern Theatre audience expect from the show 'Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em'?

This is a brand new stage production of SMDAE, with an original script, but still has the heart that the original series conveyed, with 2 hours of laugh out loud situation comedy that is suitable for all ages, which is something lacking in the comedy of today.

What has it been like taking on the role of the loveable, accident-prone Frank Spencer?

It's quite a task filling the shoes of Frank Spencer, one of the most loved, and impersonated characters in British TV sitcom history... so much so that we (Guy Unsworth, the director, and myself) decided that the only way to make this work was to NOT do an impression Michael Crawford, but instead to put my own stamp on the part, by playing my version of Frank, which is the only way to make the stage character believable.

Have you discovered any similarities between yourself and the character Frank Spencer?

Very much so, which is why I have been given the chance to play him... if there were no similarities, it just wouldn't work, my voice has been my trademark for over 30 years, even though it doesn't sound like Michael Crawford... it still fits my version of the character, without drifting too far from the TV Frank.

Did you know anything about Swindon before a tour date was planned here?

I've been to Swindon many times before and performed at the Wyvern on numerous occasions, but can't say I know a lot about Swindon... I think Melinda Messenger comes from there, and there are a lot of roundabouts.

Do you think that comedy shows have changed much over the years?

I think comedy is an ever evolving animal, which is why we wanted to keep the play rooted in the original sentiment, so we set it in the same period it was first shown, the 1970's, and first and foremost it's about getting people to relax, forget about their problems and laugh for 2 hours.

When you’re not on stage, how do you like to spend your free time?

If I'm not working, I like to study, I'm almost at the end of a degree with the open university, studying geology and earth sciences, I also have a pilot’s licence, so I like to fly whenever I can, and currently I'm writing my 2nd book of short horror stories. The first one came out at Christmas, published by Caffeine nights, called 'DEADKNOBS AND DOOMSTICKS' and is currently available at Amazon and all good bookshops.

Looking back, what would you say some of your career highlights have been?

I've had a varied career over the past 30 years, I would say doing 5 Royal Variety performances ranks pretty highly for me, but the best thing ever was doing the Muppet show in Hollywood, on their 25th anniversary show with Jon Voight.

What have been your key challenges for this show and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges for this show, will be staying safe, as there is a lot of physical stunt work involved, so I'm currently working with a stunt co-ordinator to ensure I can last the run without breaking anything.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Trying to be a nice person.

What’s next for Joe Pasquale after the 'Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em' tour?

Once SMDAE finishes, I'll be going straight back out on tour doing my live stand-up show, around the country, getting the 2nd book published then into panto at Nottingham Playhouse theatre.

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em will be showing at the Wyvern Theatre on from the 21st - 24th February. Tickets are available at swindontheatres.co.uk or from the Ticket Office on 01793 524481.