ItaloEuropeo has met Giacinto Palmieri, italian stand up comedian based in London.
It is now a couple of years that Giacinto (Giac), as he prefers to be called, has treaded the boards of several venues, from the small pub up to the prestigeous Hackney Empire where he arrived at the Final.
Italian born from Milan and now english citizen by choice, Giac talks in his show about language differences from italian to english, the struggle experienced when learning the language without missing to give a stint of irony regarding some italian politicians and how foreigners see Italians sometimes closed in stereotypes.
This year Giac is going to attend the whole Edinburgh Festival as a professional, in a very wellknown venue, a leap of faith because the commitment to stay 25 days in Scotland, charging the entrance to his show is a big step and an ambitious one. But this highlights only how confident this very pleasant comedian is and the positive responses that he has received during his previews for this great event. Following him to several of his gigs it has been possible to notice audience reactions, very sincere laughs and everyone having a great time.
In Edinburgh Giacinto will attend a press day at the Italian Cultural Insitute based in the scottish capital where other italian performers ranging from theatre and music will meet the accredited press and then from the 5th of August it will be possible to attend one of his shows at C Soco – Venue 348 Edinburgh until the 30th of August at 17.30.
Before one of his gig ItaloEuropeo could interview Giacinto Palmieri:
How you had the inspiration to become a stand up comedian?
I like to write and once I’ve written something quite funny about Christmas parties. I’ve sent an email to a friend of mine but I made a mistake and I’ve sent it to the MD of my company instead He liked it and he read it out during our Christmas party without mentioning who the author was. I’ve seen people laughing, having a great time so it started from there and I’ve start writing about my experiences when I moved to London.
You are on stage to make people laugh, but have you ever laughed at something from the audience?
Well if an actor laughs, the audience doesn’t. But once a lady after one of my shows asked me if my very thick italian accent was fake.I find it very funny.
Do you find differences between italian comedians and english comedians?
Yes italian comedians are more into acting using a character, while english comedians talk about personal life, I’m more in line with this style of comedy.
Comedy Club’s first row is generally empty because the audience is “ scared” to be picked up by the comedians on stage. You don’t interact with the people much and you are not very aggressive are you?
No I haven’t got much interaction with my audience apart from asking where they come from, because this is part of my show given that being italian I look for other foreigners among my public and from there the show carries on.
A comedian is generally thought to be a very serious and reserved person. What about you?
I’m not the soul of the party but I’m not reserved either. Generally comedy is used to compensate shyness and in some situation autism. If I’m not wrong NHS funded some stand up comedy courses as a therapy to help people realize that they are not alone and to aid mental health.
You are debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as a professional comedian. Worries? Hopes?
Last year I was in Edinburgh but at the free venues, this year it is a big challenge, I have to promote myself, work hard because every member of the public at my show is important. It’s a challenge against myself, and I’m going ready to put as much effort as I can. Edinburgh Festival has got something like 2500 shows and the competition is very high.
In your show you “explain” english grammar to the english people . How this thing has been viewed by your audience?
They are fine with it, I don’t come patronizing, I make jokes explaining my difficulties when I’ve started learning english, so to “ teach” grammar to my public become something I have to say, in order to carry on with my show. Joking become an advantage rather than to be arrogant.
And with these few questions, answered by Giacinto Palmieri, ItaloEuropeo wishes him good luck in his exciting adventure .
For more informations about the festival:
http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on
