FIRST IMPRESSIONS: JOE PASQUALE
What are you working on at the moment?
I am playing King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot, before I tour the UK with my standup show in August. I then join a great show called Ha Ha Holmes! as Sherlock.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m on stage and entertaining people. It’s a great feeling.
What is your greatest fear?
Retiring, because I just can’t stand the idea of not working. I’d get so bored.
What is your earliest memory?
Stealing my dad’s razor when I was three years old, after seeing him shaving, then trying it myself. I still have the scar under my chin to remind me of what happened.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My father has been my greatest influence in life. In the world of show business, it’s Bob Monkhouse. I always loved his work.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I hate my impatience with traffic, which is hard when you have to get around a lot in order to work.
What is your most treasured possession?
That’s simple: my health.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness is inexcusable. There’s just no need for it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
An uninhabited island off the coast of Scotland.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
It’s my pot belly. But life’s too short for the amount of situps it would take to deal with it, so we’re stuck with each other.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays With Morrie. I recommend it.
What is your favourite film?
The Lost Boys, about teenage vampires.
Your favourite record or piece of music?
I’m a big fan of music, though one song that stands the test of time and has great memories is a track called So Much To Learn by Joe Stilgoe.
Your favourite meal?
I’ve eaten in some great restaurants, but it always comes back to a good steak with salad and boiled potatoes. Tasty, reasonably healthy and good, solid food.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
My ideal dinner guests would be Stephen Hawking and Professor Brian Cox. I love the thought of how many different conversations would be had over that table through the course of the night.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Queen Elizabeth I. She was one of the best leaders we’ve ever had and one of the strongest women we’ve ever known.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I’m not bothered by anything negative or nasty that people may say.
Do you believe in aliens?
Absolutely. The truth is out there. And so are the little green men.
What is your secret vice?
I have too many secret vices and I’m not going to tell anyone. But I will admit to an unnatural love of Turkish delight.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Not in this day and age. I do send texts and tweets, however.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Oh Blimey!’ (I’m a right Dick Van Dyke).
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Not having a mobile phone. I love the idea of not being contactable at all times.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Onwards and upwards.’
Joe Pasquale stars as King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2, until 27 July: 0844-871 7631, www.spamalotwestend.co.uk
I am playing King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot, before I tour the UK with my standup show in August. I then join a great show called Ha Ha Holmes! as Sherlock.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m on stage and entertaining people. It’s a great feeling.
What is your greatest fear?
Retiring, because I just can’t stand the idea of not working. I’d get so bored.
What is your earliest memory?
Stealing my dad’s razor when I was three years old, after seeing him shaving, then trying it myself. I still have the scar under my chin to remind me of what happened.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My father has been my greatest influence in life. In the world of show business, it’s Bob Monkhouse. I always loved his work.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I hate my impatience with traffic, which is hard when you have to get around a lot in order to work.
What is your most treasured possession?
That’s simple: my health.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness is inexcusable. There’s just no need for it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
An uninhabited island off the coast of Scotland.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
It’s my pot belly. But life’s too short for the amount of situps it would take to deal with it, so we’re stuck with each other.
What is your all-time favourite book?
Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays With Morrie. I recommend it.
What is your favourite film?
The Lost Boys, about teenage vampires.
Your favourite record or piece of music?
I’m a big fan of music, though one song that stands the test of time and has great memories is a track called So Much To Learn by Joe Stilgoe.
Your favourite meal?
I’ve eaten in some great restaurants, but it always comes back to a good steak with salad and boiled potatoes. Tasty, reasonably healthy and good, solid food.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
My ideal dinner guests would be Stephen Hawking and Professor Brian Cox. I love the thought of how many different conversations would be had over that table through the course of the night.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Queen Elizabeth I. She was one of the best leaders we’ve ever had and one of the strongest women we’ve ever known.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
I’m not bothered by anything negative or nasty that people may say.
Do you believe in aliens?
Absolutely. The truth is out there. And so are the little green men.
What is your secret vice?
I have too many secret vices and I’m not going to tell anyone. But I will admit to an unnatural love of Turkish delight.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Not in this day and age. I do send texts and tweets, however.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Oh Blimey!’ (I’m a right Dick Van Dyke).
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Not having a mobile phone. I love the idea of not being contactable at all times.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Onwards and upwards.’
Joe Pasquale stars as King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2, until 27 July: 0844-871 7631, www.spamalotwestend.co.uk