A catch-up with The Boy With Tape On His Face
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It’s that time of year when comedians pack up their hair gel and gaffer tape and take off around the country on tours.
The Boy With Tape On His Face (variously The Boy and Tapeface to save us getting bored of writing it out) is also off, bringing his family-friendly wide-eyed innocent mime to audiences around the UK.
We had a quick catch up with The Boy, but first, here’s a bit from the BBC pilot you may or may not have seen.
QUESTIONS PLEASE.
Last time we spoke you said there was mileage in the Boy until the novelty wears off. How are you feeling about it after a successful Edinburgh?
I am very happy with it all. Edinburgh was absolutely amazing and we were lucky enough to play to full houses for the whole run.
As for the novelty wearing off, I think you misunderstood me as there are so many countries in the world where I can take this show the novelty will wear off for me first. I guess when I no longer enjoy doing this act then I will stop it and do something completely different. The only reason The Boy exists is the fact that I got bored with the novelty of talking.
You also penned a piece for us on Edinburgh’s finest tattoo parlour - did you get more ink in the end this summer?
Unfortunately not. Summer season has kept me doing too many shows, but I do have some plans for more work that hides away under the costume.
How has work been post-BBC Three pilot? Any prospect of a series?
Working with the BBC was fun. It was nice to have a play with the show in the land of television. At this stage we are not taking The Tape Face Tapes further, but we are working on several other different ideas.
It’s something of a boom time for mime, between yourself and Phil Burgers. Ever considered a mime off?
No.
Strange question corner: does doing a wordless performance affect the way you think, having done it for so long? I’m thinking, thinking in wordless thoughts, or changing your approach to language?
Not really. I like to think that I have a different outlook to most and that people forget to use their imagination. I find that I remind myself to play a bit more and always look for something different.
Are you still keeping your hand in on the busking circuit?
I recently got the chance to go to Germany for a street festival where it was great fun to do something different for a weekend. The occasional chance to yell in public I always welcomed.
Where next for The Boy?
If I tell you it ruins the surprise. Use your imagination.
You can visit Ol’ Tapeface over here, who’s touring the UK before a pre-Christmas West End run.
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