Joe Pasquale brings his new comedy show to Wirral and Rhyl

Oct 1 2009 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

Crowned King of the Jungle, starring in Hollywood movies and performing on stage in The Producers, has seen versatile funny man Joe Pasquale’s star on the rise.

This month the squeaky voiced comedian goes back to where it all began, when he entertains audiences around the UK with a new stand-up show.

The effervescent I’m A Celebrity star comes to the Floral Pavilion, in New Brighton, Wirral, on Sunday, October 11 and the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, on Sunday, November 1.

He said: “I have been doing a lot of other stuff since the Jungle. I was in Mel Brooks’ The Producers last year, I have done a lot of voice-over work, including Frankenstein’s Cat, and a couple of movies, one with Jim Carrey and the voice of a mouse in Garfield Two,” said Essex born Joe, 48.

“I also did 176 episodes of The Price Is Right and I’m in the middle of writing my autobiography.

“It’s been really interesting but I think I forgot what I originally loved doing and what I got in to the business for, I wasn’t doing it live anymore.

“I understand the importance of a live performance and I’ve missed it more than I thought I would. I think whatever I do I will always come back to this.”

The autumn tour features new magic, mishaps and music, as well as special appearance from Joe’s trusty twin brother, Raynard.

“There are a lot of comics out there but there aren’t many you can bring your whole family too,” said Joe, of his all-round appeal.

“I’m not going to lie, you won’t learn anything you don’t already know, apart from how ridiculous one man can be.

“It’s pure enjoyment, I have to enjoy myself before anyone else does. I am going to have a good laugh and if they audience enjoy it too, then great.”

Before making his name as a stand-up comedian he spent eight years working in a meat market, the civil service, a petrol attendant and even as a spot welder.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and however hard it gets I always think I could be walking around with a dead cow on my back,” he added.

“I have to sit back and pinch myself. My dad always said ‘if you can get a job you would do for nothing and you can get paid for it then that’s what you do’.

“I did a show last week with Bill Bailey and Jeff Green and another with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, I never expected to get these sort of gigs. I never thought I would still be here, still selling tickets.”

In 2004 Joe endured bush tucker trials and celebrity egos to be named King of the Jungle in the reality TV show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, thrusting him back into the limelight.

“It was like going on holiday with 10 people you didn’t know and coming back as Elvis, I loved it,” he said describing the 16-day experience.

“The trials were hard, you didn’t get enough food and you didn’t get enough sleep, so it’s just like being on the road. I’m used to it, eating rubbish food and sleeping in a dodgy bed.

“It was the boredom I struggled with, finding yourself something to do. Ant and Dec make it look like fun but those moments are only happening to one person.

“I made a decision that I was going to be myself. I thought all you can do is be yourself, you can’t go and be that person all the time, the public will see through it.”

Asked if he would return to the jungle or try any other reality TV, he added: “I would do Strictly Come Dancing, I would like to learn to dance like that. I had to learn to dance a bit for The Producers. I like stuff you learn things for.”

Joe Pasquale performs at the Floral Pavilion on Sunday, October 11, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17. For more information, ring 0151 666 0000 or visit www.floralpavilion.com. On Sunday, November 1, he performs at the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl. For more information, visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk or ring 01745 330 000.