celebrity news

The Mike Ward Interview: Alistair McGowan’s midlife crisis and why he hates cruel jokes


alistair

CHAP: Alistair McGowan (Pic: Humphrey Nemar)

It concerns Elvis Costello. I used to be a big Costello fan, I tell him – until the day I heard Alistair doing a savagely sharp impression. “I’ve never been able to listen to him since,” I say. “You ruined it for me.”

But if I’m expecting some sort of apology from the mimic sat opposite me now in a south-west London pub, I’m clearly out of luck. 

Alistair’s response is: “That’s very kind of you.” 

Seems he’s just chuffed that I’ve complimented his work.

Mind you, this isn’t a chap who’s ever much cared for pop music, even as a kid. “I think I saw about three bands in my whole teenage life,” he tells me. 

Instead, his passion has always been classical. 

That is why it’s the focus of his new UK tour that we’re here to chat about, kicking off on Wednesday.

ali

TALENT: His passion has always been classical (Pic: Humphrey Nemar)

It’s called Introductions To Classical Piano, because, well, that’s what it mostly consists of: Alistair at the piano, playing short classical pieces and chatting in between about the composers. 

Sure, it includes impressions as well (“I think it’s the first time anybody’s played George Gershwin after doing Harry Kane…”). But it’s definitely a classical music show, he stresses. “The music itself is not funny music.”

If this all sounds a bit odd, given what Alistair’s best known for, then it’s even odder to think that only five years ago he could barely play a note. 

Learning to play was a challenge he set himself as he entered his 50s. 

With respect, was he having a midlife crisis?

“I was going to say exactly those words, yes. But it’s a very satisfying one.”

And apparently it was that or taking up snooker. 

“I actually looked into going one one of those Terry Griffiths holidays. I was doing about an hour’s practice a day but I wasn’t really getting any better. So I think I’ve chosen the better option.”

But even with a bestselling classical album now under his belt, Alistair’s not getting carried away. 

His wife Charlotte sees to that.

“She’s a proper trained musician. She said to me, ‘If you’re going to do this show, you’ve got to put the comedy in there with it. You’re not good enough, you never will be, to do it like a concert pianist.’ 

“And she’s absolutely right. I thank her for lots of things in my life but I certainly thank her for that. I’d never do a piano show without some words and something funny.”

So the impressions live on. 

Particularly his football ones.

interview

TOGETHER: Mike and Alistair (Pic: Humphrey Nemar)

“Your job is to make people laugh but you mustn’t forget the person’s feelings”

Alistair McGowan

Sadly, his Jose Mourinho did have to go (frustratingly, he’d only just perfected it when Mourinho and Manchester United parted company) but he refuses to drop Arsène Wenger just yet (“It’s a good voice and a very funny joke.”).

Perhaps his favourite, though, is Ian Holloway, ex-boss of Palace, Millwall, QPR and others. 

To Alistair’s annoyance, Holloway is currently out of football management. 

“I used to love doing him,” he chuckles. “I had a brilliant joke, which doesn’t really work with anyone else. Please, somebody reading this, re-employ Ian Holloway!”

Of course, mimicry often means mockery, and not everyone takes that well.

Football is generally safe territory because “they get it from their teammates, they’re always ribbing each other”.

piano

PASSION: Alistair on his steinway piano (Pic: Humphrey Nemar)

But even here there’s been the odd exception. 

“I did a lot of gigs at football clubs in the 90s when the person was actually present, and they didn’t whine at all. 

“Only Alan Smith, actually. I said he had a good nose for goal. He gave me a real look.”

Causing offence, though, is the last thing Alistair wants. 

“Your job is to make people laugh but you mustn’t forget the person’s feelings.” 

So if he thinks he’s been cruel, the gag will be axed. 

It’s why he also dropped his impression of Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, much though he’d enjoyed it. “I thought, ‘I’m really belittling her…’”

church

PIANO: McGowan at St Mary’s Church in South West London (Pic: Humphrey Nemar)

So with this piano tour about to start, is he worried he’ll be belittled himself, with people questioning his musical talents?

Seems not. In fact, he’s kind of hoping that happens.

“Sometimes virtuosic playing can put people off. So I hope people come and see me and think, ‘Well, I could do it as well as you.’ 

“I’d love for them to go away and play.”

• For details of Alistair’s UK tour, Introductions To Classical Piano, go to alistairmcgowan.co.uk



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.