Feature ~ Blog

Newfoundland writer, actor, comedian and director Andy Jones has been involved in the provincial and national theatre scene for more than 30 years. His resume is impressive: Five one-man comedy shows; an audio book; an extensive acting career; co-founder of an artists resource centre; stage and television writer; and recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Featured on the Comedy Network, CBC and BRAVO! TV and with his participation in hits such as CODCO, the Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy and Rare Birds, it is no wonder he is considered a master storyteller and philosophical humorist of the first degree.

What was your first job?

I worked in my father's camera and school supply store in Churchill Square. I worked there for four summers in a row and then, after university, I taught school for a year.

What was your first theatrical job?

I worked with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company in 1972 and we toured Newfoundland that summer with the British farce “See How They Run” doing the Wizard of Oz.

Do you remember the first time you made an audience laugh?

I acted in grammar school and did recitations as we had these oratorical contests from time to time and I often did humorous pieces: I was something of a class clown. I remember the first time that something I'd written was performed by someone else; it was on CODCO and they went out and performed the bit I'd written and got a huge laugh. That was a real thrill!

Tell me about collaborating versus working alone.

It's a lot lonelier doing solo work. It's much more thrilling to be four or five people in the zone together, creating something. It's quite an incredible human experience. I can remember this one occasion when there were 11 people in the room and we were writing a song: One would add a line and then another would add one and so on. It was a great experience. Also, you get more done faster in collaborations. Then again, there are the difficulties of getting through everyone's neuroses; alone you only have your own demons to work with. Collaborating is one of the greatest pleasures of living.

Why don't you collaborate more often?

I haven't gotten any offers. I would love to collaborate again, but it hasn't happened. Financially, I had to do one-man shows in the past to stay alive. Secretly, I would love to be a sketch comedy writer with a bunch of other writers, but it's hard to find the right people. It is all about chemistry: Any group will tell you that successful collaboration is born of chemistry and it dies from chemistry.


Who were your mentors?

Ken Campbell, the British actor and writer. After the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre company, I then went to Toronto to act in Dog in the Manger. But my third job in the theatre was working with Ken Campbell. I went to England and worked on Pilk's Madhouse with Ken. He had a big influence on me in the sense that he did one-man shows. Also his “just do it” attitude really influenced me; if you can conceive of it, you can make it happen! As well, the other six members of CODCO were my mentors. It was a great group in that it allowed you to do things and try things. We had our problems, but everyone was very, very supportive. I felt like I was allowed to be ridiculous, silly, emotional, crazy and I think that freedom to be those things influenced my career as well.

You've an amazing and diverse resume – what's next?

Last fall I had a show at the Rooms [museum in St. John's. Andy's installation piece – an impressive wooden table - called “The Spirit in the House” was part of a collaborative exhibit], since then, I've written the story of my house in Hant's Harbour, Newfoundland on that table. So, next, I want to get the table on display in Hant's Harbour. Also, this fall I will be touring Newfoundland with An Evening with Uncle Val at various Arts and Culture Centres and then, more touring with Uncle Val. I have no appointments for the rest of my life, but something always comes along. And having no appointments is the scary part of the business, especially as you get older. But so far, so good.


For more information on Andy Jones or An Evening with Uncle Val, visit www.andyjonesproductions.com