Rob Gee Interview

[Rincewind]

Rob Gee is a local performance comedy poet. I have transcribed from audio the interview I did. Not too bad for a first attempt.

Rob Gee Interview

On Thursday 14th February I attended the Apex Works on Charles Street which was holding an event as part of Leicester’s Dave’s Comedy Festival. Appearing as compeer was the well known performance comedy poet Rob Gee. Preceding the main act Rob gave a guided tour of the Apex building which is celebrating its 40th year. The tour was conducted through words and poetry retelling the history of Apex. After the main act Lost Voice Guy, Rob kindly agreed to be interviewed by DNO.

DNO: When did you first get the urge for comedy, at school?

RG: Yeah, pretty much you get into trouble for showing off, make your mates laugh, the thing about comedy is the awards are they pay you. Ever since I was old enough to buy records Billy Connelly Tom Learrer and stuff like that.

DNO: Are you a Leicester local lad?

RG: Actually Derby, but don’t hold that against me. I moved to Leicester when I was 10.

DNO: You mentioned The Magazine on the tour, did you used to do those spots?

RG: Yeah I did, in fact I started performing in the Magazine, that is where I cut my teeth as a performance poet, I still see it as a classic, there was nothing like it, there were a lot of really good independent venues in the city centre, most of them are gone now which is a crying shame.

DNO: What’s your take on the homeless situation?

RG: Well I suppose the homeless situation is as it is because it’s just the way it’s designed and in these economical austere times things will be more and more of a difficulty.

DNO: There was a report recently that said rough sleeping had gone up 31% in the last couple of years and a reply from a housing minister said most were foreigners.

RG: Well they are being used as scapegoats.

DNO: What’s your thoughts of moving from hostels to shared housing?

RG: Yeah it’s difficult because you can’t get an address if you don’t have a job and you can’t get a job if you don’t have an address. It’s hard to break the cycle.

DNO: I think that’s about it Thanks very much.

[Zingari]

Good first effort Why didn't you ask him if he was related to Phil or (big bucks) Ali though .

[Rincewind]

Don't think he is. I missed the bit where when he mentioned the Magazine I said that I read poetry there and may have seen him in his earlier days but thought the interview shold not be about me. Sure I did see him when there were one or two places that did acoustic nights. He is quite good and appeared with some of the bigger artistes. Friendly and approachable which made things easier. Held the phone under his nose and chatted which I suppose is all an interview is.