Comedy news: Interview: Carl Donnelly and Pete Johannson, the perfect comedy combo

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Just what is it like when two Edinburgh Comedy Award (soon to be called the Fosties) winners get together and go on the road with a double bill? Once answer is that you get twice the amount of critically acclaimed comedy for your buck, but alongside you also get to see two guys who are living with each other as they ride roughshod over the UK. SSP caught up with Pete Johannson and Carl Donnelly to ask them what it has been like to tour together...

Such Small Portions: You were both been nominated for Edinburgh Awards last year, how have your shows changed since we saw you at the Fringe last year?

Carl: I have definitely forgotten bits of it so had to fill the gaps with newer stuff. Stupidly, I never recorded the show and even worse I never wrote it down in full so I have literally no record of my debut solo show in Edinburgh other than a selection of scrawled notes, a poster and a best newcomer nominee trophy. For the tour, I just sat down and remembered the main points (beginning, middle and end) and went from there really.

Pete: I got rid of my references to Gordon Brown. Also I now aknowledge the creation of artificial life. Even though it doesn't fit in the show, I insist on being timely. 

SSP: Q: What has it been like touring as a double header You have both known each other since the Edinburgh Fringe but has going on tour revealed anything else about each other?

Carl: I learnt that Pete has the body clock of an 80 year old man or possibly a cat. He has to have late afternoon/early evening naps which I find hilarious. The worst thing you can do is call him during his nap time which I managed to do on pretty much a daily basis just to wind him up!

Pete: I found out Carl enjoys little caramels that I keep in my pocket. When he does well I unwrap one and he gently without biting, sucks it off my fingers. I give him a pat and say good Carl.  

SSP: Have either of you started to take on the others mannerisms? 

Carl: Yes, I now take regular naps and have a very short temper with venue staff. No, In truth I haven’t picked up any mannerisms but do wish some of Pete’s character traits had rubbed off as he has a level of honesty with strangers I am yet to achieve which I am very jealous of. I still pander to idiots on a daily basis but Pete has the confidence to openly dislike people that are clearly dickheads.

Pete: I adopted a few, I stop and by handfulls of lottery tickets with my show pay on the way home. I weep openly when I lose and realize what I've done and put my baby through.  

SSP: Both of you have toured the UK, what has your most memorable experience with the tour so far – where have you been received especially well.

Carl: The biggest surprise of the tour was that we are massive in Exeter. For some reason, Exeter’s show had the biggest audience by far and they were very fun. Also, afterwards we ended up having a lock-in in a bar where I sparked up a bromance with a DJ who had exactly the same taste in music as me. Pete just sat there looking jealous. I can’t remember the guy’s name but if he is reading this, get in touch and we’ll do lunch.

Pete: I felt Liverpool was an amazing show as was Southhampton and Brighton. Brighton was the most surprising though, as I couldn't imagine it being what it was. I was sick to my stomach and dreading the show, then the fear lifted and here were these wonderful comedy fans. 

Carl and Pete are appearing at London comedy's newest arrival, the Udderbelly on Southbank, click the link for tickets.