Entertaining double-act, Iain Lee and Katherine Boyle, usually present their late night phone-in show five nights a week on Talk Radio. However, they have decided to bring it to a live audience in Salford for the Greater Manchester Fringe.
Their appearance at the Kings Arms at 1pm on Saturday 29th July offers the opportunity to take part in their phone in podcast taped in front of a live studio audience. Nothing is planned and anything can happen...
Iain is more than comfortable in front of a crowd and started out as a stand-up comedian on the London circuit. He has since been involved in numerous TV shows, including Big Breakfast and RI:SE. He is possibly best known as co-host of the iconic The 11 O'clock Show, that gave TV debuts to household names such as Ricky Gervais and Ali G.
I caught up with Iain to ask a few questions about this spontaneous, off the wall event...
How does the show differ when it takes place in front of an audience?
"You can't rest when the audience is in front of you. When I'm hosting the radio show, sometimes there will be lulls. Having 100 people sat there staring at you means you have to be on it for the whole show. It certainly makes the show a lot more exciting."
Will you encourage audience interaction?
"Oh for sure! We stream the show on Periscope so people can watch us online and we actively encourage people to phone or Skype in...try it, call now and leave a message that may make the show!* But the audience in the room with us are welcome to join in. Disagree with something I said? Shout out and tell us! Think Katherine Boyle is talking nonsense? Tell her!"
Does a live show with a crowd add to the pressure?
"We both get more nervous. The radio show is my job. It's like going to the office for me. Five days a week. The Rabbit Hole is once a month so we have to get it right when we do it. It's not really a comedy show. Bits are funny. Bits are silly. Bits are heavy. But if we aren't getting laughs from the audience, I start to panic. I'm learning to let that go slightly."
You are an experienced broadcaster and entertainer, and have been involved in different shows on TV and radio. What are your favourites?
"I've been so lucky to make a living from messing around. Next September will be the twentieth anniversary of the first TV show I did, the 11 O'clock Show. Twenty years! Blimey. Being honest though, I've been involved with some rubbish but what am I most proud of? The 11OCS happened when I was 25 and was the dream job.
"I did a documentary about video games in 2000 called Thumb Candy - not Thumb Bandits. That sucked. I showed it to my kids last week and they really enjoyed it. But I'm most proud of the radio show I do now. Weeknights from 10pm on TalkRADIO on DAB, app or online atwww.talkradio.co.uk. I really think I'm making a unique radio show."
Is there a still a job in broadcasting that you would love?
"Not really. I'd like another crack at hosting a TV show 'cos I don't think I ever quite got it right, but I'm not holding my breath. Oh. I'd like to do the radio show in the US for a couple of years. Would love to hear how they react."
Are you looking forward to broadcasting live from Salford and do you think that more live audience shows will follow?
"Oh, I can't wait. Katherine and I are very excited. We performed in Manchester earlier in the year and it was easily our best show. Kath grew up in the area so it's a homecoming for her. "
The Rabbit Hole
Saturday 29th July 1pm
The Kings Arms £10
For further details and tickets – click here
*Take part by calling 0203 286 6370 or Skype HeyRabbitHoleShow or follow at @HeyRabbitHole
Twitter: @HeyRabbitHole
Web: www.iainlee.com
You can listen live via the talkRADIO website www.talkradio.co.uk and on DAB radio. You can also download a handy talkRADIO app for iPhone and Androids.
Check out Iain on periscope. www.periscope.tv/iainlee
Words by Ian Leslie