No stranger to the comedy scene on screen, Jim Gaffigan dishes out family-friendly stand-up served hot with five Netflix specials and another new release Noble Ape. Now heading to the sunny shores of Singapore for his March 23 show at the Capitol Theatre, the funnyman is bringing his unique brand of jokes from the telly to the stage. No gimmicks whatsoever, expect him to take it back to basics with sharp witty digs as a father of five and his misanthropic observations on life.
But before you catch the Grammy-nominated comedian, New York Times bestselling author and Daytime Emmy Award winner IRL, find out what's driving Jim Gaffigan to our city, what we can expect at his show and what makes a great stand-up comedian.
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Hi Jim! Are you excited to be in Singapore?
As I’ve noticed on Netflix, there is a rich stand-up comedy scene in Singapore and I’m very excited to perform for that audience. I’m also traveling with my children and it’s fascinating to travel and experience cultures with them. I’m sure I’ll get some great comedy ideas from them.
What are you looking forward to the most during your stop here?
I’ve wanted to go to Singapore for years. I’m most excited about going to a place that’s such a hodgepodge of unique difference cultures. My brother Mike said the bak kwa is worth the trip alone.
Will you be bringing in old gags for the show or will it be entirely fresh?
It will be a completely new hour, different from my five specials on Netflix or my most recent special Noble Ape.
Is there anything specific on Singapore that you’d like to talk about in the show? And how would you prepare it?
I would say I will be doing some research on Singapore but having done numerous international shows I find the best material is first-hand knowledge from being in the country. I think it’s important to do research and acknowledge the cultural differences and from there that is where gems of material come from.
You are one of the most successful stand-up comedians around today. What’s your best-kept secret to becoming a great standup comedian?
I think the most important element is persistence, and that persistence is associated with performing and writing. There is a relative amount of insanity you need to embrace, and there is a long period when you won’t get the results you desire but you need to keep going.
You’ve been described to be a ‘clean’, family-friendly comedian. Why do you think you're better off without profanity?
It is my belief that comedians do the type of comedy they are going to do anyway. And they get credit or criticism for it. I do comedy that I think is funny. Some of my favorite comedians are dirty. I think some if it is my family culture and where I grew up has made my comedy not centered on shock or filthy language.
You’re a Jack of all trades – writing, stand-up, acting, voice-over work and more. Which out of all the mediums do you prefer and why?
I like to think that I am the best at eating. That is my forte, consuming food, preferably great tasting food.
Catch Jim Gaffigan at Capitol Theatre on March 23. Tickets are available from $118. Purchase three tickets and get one free when you enter the promo code 'timeout' upon checking out at apactix.com.
