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GETTING TO KNOW YIANNI

Mon 24 September 2012

Yianni has been making a name for himself in the comedy world with his engaging storytelling shows and regular appearances at alternative comedy nights including Storytellers Club. His delightful delivery is matched with a sharp wit and a finely-tuned way with mathmatical problems. He talks to us ahead of his Soho Theatre debut NUMB AND NUMBER on Tuesday 25 September, as part of the Amused Moose Comedy Showcase 2012.

What can audiences expect from your show numb and number?

Audiences can expect an accessible show that’s as much about me as it is about numbers so people don’t need to come in with their High School maths hangups!

You’re a regular at Sarah bennettos storytellers club. Is your new show, numb and number, a move away from storytelling?

Not really. Numb and Number is the story of suddenly at age 33 thinking that I might be on the autistic spectrum, what that led to and what the process meant to me. It’s like most of my shows in that it combines a storytelling through line decorated with observational comedy.

There are some very talented and geeky comedians out there wowing audiences with their maths skills, like demetri Martin and nick Mohammed. Why do you think maths is a having a moment in comedy?

Well to begin with, maths and numbers are everywhere, they’re as inescapable as the sun rising in the east and the fact that one plus one equals…well, you get the idea. As for why it’s time is now, this has been coming for ages. Comedians have always been geeks, we’ve spent the last decade coming out of the closet and now it’s Mardi Gras!

You took the show to Edinburgh festival and received great reviews. Where’s your favourite place to perform and why?

Oh it has to be performing my own hour in Edinburgh. The festival has such a beautiful vibe. Firstly, it’s my show, I’ve put so much care and love into it. Then you have the fact that people have specifically decided to come and see your show. Then there’s the lovely “world’s biggest arts festival vibe” that exists, and the mixed nature of the audiences. I could perform to Edinburgh audiences all year.

I’ve heard the only other place that comes close is Soho Theatre. Of course this is my first time performing there, so I’ll get back to you on that.

You’re performing at Soho Theatre On Tuesday 25 September, what’s next?

After Soho (sounds kind of biblical, the theatre equivalent of BC/AD) I will be continuing to gig around the country and the continent. I am also writing a TV/Internet sketch show containing live action, animated and guerrilla style sketches plus pulling the team together to perform, film and animate that. I’ll also be going to Romania to film my first DVD!

CLICK HERE to buy tickets for Numb and Number

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