Kernow King – a comedian whose acclaim is nearing the phrase ‘needs no introduction’. Roche-born and describing Cornish life as ‘tough but always beautiful’, Kernow King’s infectious on-stage wit and piquant observations on Cornwall are proving to be a huge success with audiences on both sides of the Tamar. We caught up with him upon his return from touring Australia with his pair of Sanuk Beer Cosys still in perfect condition.
Alright?
Yeah, you?
(Ed) If you've seen the Kernow King live you'll know this as his catch phrase - the common greeting when two Cornish people meet.
What's the best joke from when you were 10?
Haha! Funny enough, it's a rather inappropriate one that I heard in Jethro's club on the way back from Twickenham with my dad and pals in 89! I was exactly ten, heard it, didn't understand it, remembered it and then one day, I got it.
Can you think of the funniest thing that's ever happened to you on stage?
I love getting someone up on stage at each show to do a quiz and last year at the Minack a lovely lady came up and she was nurse. She helped men with erection difficulties and she had just given up doing it full time and now was (in her words) "freelance".
I was going to ask you Pepsi or Coke, but then thought better of it; Rowe’s or Warrens?
Rowe’s.
How did the tour of Australia go?
Awesome, thanks. South Australia was incredibly tranquil, quiet and in places, fairly desolate. The Kernwek Lowender festival was great and the gig was lots of fun. Sydney was bouncing! Like doing a gig in Redruth. Surf was pumping and the food was absolutely incredible. I can see why a lot of Cornish people live out in Sydney now- it's like Cornwall, but sunnier.
We noticed you took a pair of Sanuk Beer Cosy to Oz with you - was it just the name?
Nah, super comfy! Most comfy flip flops I've ever worn.
If some-one had to give you the kiss of life, who would you want it to be?
A doctor without a cold.
Have you heard about the Mars One project - would you consider it?
Yes and no bleddy way! I love being at home in Kernow way too much to ever leave and never come back! I get nervous when I have to go away for a weekend!
If you were to stand as our MP, what would be the top 4 policies in your manifesto?
- Before anyone owned a second home, everyone should own a first home.
- Some sort of toll or bed tax for holiday makers to help with road, hospital, toilets and lifeguarding costs on beaches.
- Cornish history and language taught in schools and
- Free pasties for all on Fridays.
Summarise the Cornish way of life in less than 6 words...
Can be tough but always beautiful.
Favourite place to perform in Cornwall?
Tough to pick just one…Minack and Hall for Cornwall. I love performing in Redruth, too, always a brilliant crowd.
Who are your comedic influences?
Tommy Tiernan, Jime Oin, Norman Wisdom and Lee Evans. I love loads of comedians- Kathryn Ryan and Micky Flanagan are up there as well.
Which is really the best, Camborne or Redruth?
Hmmm..tough one. Both great Cornish towns. I've got friends in both and I have to be honest, I couldn't choose. I really like Camborne town centre as it's always buzzing with people. Redruth is always a great gig and the cinema is a fabulous venue to perform. I love how proud both towns are of their rugby clubs and I am pleased to know Redruth captain Chris Fuca and Camborne legends the Matavesi's. Makes me proud to see how well the Cornish Fijian boys are doing in their rugby careers and are a real inspiration to so many rugby players in the Duchy.
Are you pro-seagull?
Haha! Ummm…yeah. I like them and I think they get a tough deal. They're noisy, make a mess, shag everywhere….but I do like them. My son came home from school in his PE kit the other day and I thought "he's either shit himself or a seagull has shit on him". A seagull had shat on him. Phew. I saw a monster seagull today down Gylly beach- huuuge!!! Like a flying ostrich or something.