Musical comedian Kev Orkian plans to hit the right note -
and the funny bone - this weekend
He's made his name on the West End stage, on the television screen and as Joe Pasquale's right-hand man. But comedian Kev Orkian does "funny" with a difference for the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
There's no single microphone on a lonely stage for this one-man show, but instead a piano which brings comedy to life through music and lyrics.
Having performed for many years around the world with his off-the-wall comedy show and piano accompaniment, Kev Orkian will have you rolling in the aisle with laughter as he tells the story of his upbringing and life as the only Armenian comic pianist in the world.
Born and bred in the UK, Kev is from an Armenian background and, between travelling, lives in Essex.
Performing at the Madinat Theatre, Dubai, from today until Friday from 8.30pm, Kev plays renditions of the great classics we all know, while also making the laughter flow with his clever musical interludes and comedy timing.
He speaks to tabloid! in the run-up to his shows in Dubai.
What made you want to become a comedian and how did it all begin?
I have always been the class clown, so being a comedian and being paid for it was always an obvious choice.
What is your earliest memory of entertaining people and can you remember the joke or sketch which was always the favourite?
I was 4 and my parents had taken me to a concert. Near the end of the show, whilst the host was closing down the evening's proceedings, I stood up on my chair and shouted out, "I have a poem I want to say".
The host pulled me up onto the stage and stood me on top of the piano, and I recited two poems my mother had taught me. I got a standing ovation that night, probably for having the guts just to get up. But my mum looked like a beetroot!
You use music throughout your show, which makes it quite unique. How did the style of your show develop?
I wanted to be different from the rest. We have comedians and we have musicians, but we don't have many who can do both. My heroes have always been Victor Borg, Dudley Moore and Les Dawson.
Do you think people relate to you better because of the music?
Not at all. I think people enjoy both aspects of me, which means I appeal to more people. Some prefer the music more than others.
Who makes you laugh in life?
My parents make me laugh with their everyday trials and tribulations. All the old-time comedians and some newer ones have me in stitches too.
Do you ever get bored of being funny or does it just come so naturally that you don't think about it?
I don't really think about being funny, so getting bored isn't really an issue. The pressure of having to be funny when I'm out and about with friends can be slightly tedious.
Who supported you the most in your career?
My mother. Don't get me wrong, dad was always the money provider, but mum was the one who wanted to pursue her dream through us by playing the piano.
She would make sure there was enough money at the end of the week for two lessons with a private tutor. It worked out well, for both myself and my sister, who is now a piano tutor herself.
What was it like touring with Joe Pasquale?
Joe Pasquale is one of the most humble comedians around today, and he is very funny. His comedy timing is brilliant. I have had the privilege of working with him on a few tours and each one was better than the one before.
He is a good mentor and always lets me know how things can improve and what things work really well. He is also a closet musical actor, and after a few years dreaming about being on the West End stage, he finally got his break in the musical The Producers.
A special mention should be made of my guardian angel Jim Davidson, who is not only my mentor and teacher but THE most giving entertainer in this business.
Who would you most like to make laugh in this world?
The comedy heroes who have made me laugh for decades (just to see what they thought of my act).
If you couldn't be a comedian what would you be?
The shortest basketball player in the world. But I'm not sure if I could stand the smell though!
Where will life take you next?
Hopefully my 34th birthday.
All you need to know
- Tickets, priced Dh150, are available at the Madinat Theatre Box Office.
- For more information visit www.madinattheatre.com
