Over the years, the Stand-Up Comedy Night has become an annual event that marks the end of the summer on a funny note. Organised by the Eden Comedy Club, this year’s edition once again sees some big names being flown in especially for the occasion.

The 2013 winner of the New Act of the Year Award, Paul F Taylor, whose one-liners have become rather iconic on the international comedy scene, is one of these special headliners.

Here, he talks about the show, his expectations and what he thinks is funny – in his own, inimitable way, of course.

Who is Paul F Taylor and what makes him tick?

Paul Taylor is a man, an award-winning stand-up comedian and an exciting dizzying pro-spect. He will both amaze and astound you… You will never forget the day you saw him. I see him every day in the mirror. He has a beardy face.

I don’t really go for anything shocking simply for the purpose of it

Where do you get the inspir-ation for your acts?

My act is observational, so it comes from everything around me. But it’s not conventional observational stand-up; it’s more than just noticing stuff. I try to take an observation and subvert it into something new, then take it on a flight of fancy. I then pepper the whole thing with some surreal one-liners. It’s punchy and surreal, but accessible.

Many people often wonder how some manage to become stand-up comedians and turn it into a living. Could you help us understand the enigma?

It’s difficult, for sure. The trick is to keep pushing yourself to be as good as you possibly can. The better you get, the better you earn. But it also helps to subsidise your earnings with other work. I do bits of acting work here and there to fill in the gaps, and if things get really bad I can always sell a kidney.

You tend to turn everyday occurrences – which many may overlook – into witty observations. What is it about these everyday activities that makes you think they could work in a sketch?

It’s weird, but when you’re a comedian you develop an instinct to really listen and really question everything. Everyone notices these things, but comedians are the ones who write it down, polish it up and turn it into something that can be performed. Everything is funny, you just have to say it in the right way.

How far is too far when it comes to joking?

Like I said, everything is funny if you do it in the right way. But I don’t really go for anything shocking simply for the purpose of shocking.

Have you ever had anyone heckle you during a show? How did you deal with it?

Yeah, heckling happens. Once a woman heckled me with: “I hate everything you stand for!” I thought, “You hate pregnant women on the bus?”

Are there any comedians you look up to? Why?

Loads. Eddie Izzard was a big influence in my youth. I love how he played with his material and the conventions of stand-up on stage.

I adored Mitch Hedberg, he always made you view things in a way that you’d never thought of before.

I also love chaotic people like Tony Law. His energetic and madcap delivery is a joy to behold. There is so much to admire in so many people, really.

What are you most excited about when it comes to doing this show?

The opportunity to perform for people who wouldn’t normally see what I do. When you’re on the UK circuit, you tend to play the same places again and again, to seemingly the same people every time. This should be a nice change. Plus, I hear you have stellar beaches.

The 2014 Stand-Up Comedy Night takes place on September 26 at the Eden Cinemas’ multi-purpose theatre. The event also features Bobby Freeman, Neil McFarlane and MC Geoff Whiting. For more information call on 2371 0100.

www.edenculture.com.mt/stand-up-comedy-night.html

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