Sikisa “Twix” Barnes and Adrian Tauss have teamed up for the Fringe. The Mumble thought we’d find out why…
Hello Adrian, so where are you both from and where ya at, geographically speaking?
Adrian: Hey Mumble, So I grew up in Switzerland, the original Brexit. And Sikisa is from Barbados via Brixton. So naturally we got on instantly. We both live and perform in London.
Hello Sikisa, so when did you first realise you could make people laugh?
Sikisa: I think I’ve always been able to make people laugh just because of my personality and always trying to make people happy, but I didnt realise my potential properly until 4 1/2 years ago when I started gigging on the open mic circuit
So Adrian, how is the Swiss sense of humour compared to the British?
Adrian: We’ll there isn’t one. Switzerland is to humour what Britain is to Ice skating. Although there is actually a small but popular English speaking scene in Zurich now, where I occasionally gig.
So Sikisa, I know Brixton, I used to go raving down the 414 club! Anyway, I can imagine in such a cauldron of life there is a lot of material to draw comedy from?
Sikisa: Yes I like to use my settings and surroundings as a backdrop for my comedy. I like to talk about subjects that people can relate to but from my point of view.
Which comedians inspire you, both old skool and on the scene today?
Sikisa: I grew up watching great British sitcoms and sketch shows featuring Victoria Wood, Dawn french, Jennifer Saunders, Harry Enfield and was in awe of what they did. As I got older I discovered more Amercian comedians such as Wayne Brady, Katt Williams and Kevin Hart. But I love watching strong women on stage so upcoming comedians such as Desiree Burch, Micky Overman, Thanyia Moore, Heidi Regan and Helen Bauer inspire me to just keep doing what I do.
You’re quite a wandering Diva across the London Comedy Circuit, what is the scene like?
Sikisa: Wandering?? lol! I wouldn’t call myself a diva – my friends call me that – mainly because they believe I am a powerhouse of talent – whether I agree is a different story. The comedy scene is amazing. There is so many different talent on the scene who are all individuals and I have been privileged to have shared a stage with many of them. It’s an exciting time in comedy because we are being recognised more for being smart as well as funny.
So Adrian, How did you get into stand up?
Adrian: I loved stand up and always wondered if I could be good at it. And who knows, maybe I will one day.
What are the key ingredients to a good joke?
Adrian: For me, It’s an original point of view and a flavour of your personality. Genitalia and farts never fail though.
You’ve just been working with Rachel Weisz & Timothy Spall recently, what’s the back story?
Adrian: I occasionally get work as an actor and I remember working with some amazing actors, who I’m pretty sure don’t remember working with me. I was cut out of some high caliber stuff though and Tom Hiddleston once asked me to take my top off. But you’ll have to come and see the show for the story behind that.
How did you meet each other?
Sikisa: I met Adrian when he started coming to the Cavendish Arms in Stockwell to perform at Comedy Virgins. I work at the pub and have done so for ten years and I had just started doing comedy. At first I was wondering why he never brought me a kebab (because I thought he worked in one for a while) and then we got on very well.
Where did the idea for the show originate?
Adrian: To be honest, we both just really wanted to do a show together and the ideas followed. Also, since Sikisa is winning competitions and has been signed by an agent, so I thought I should capitalise on our friendship and ride on her coattails of success.
Can you describe in a single sentence the experience of performing at the Fringe?
Adrian: It’s summer camp for all the weirdos.
What is it about performing live you love the most?
Sikisa: I love being able to interact with audience members and seeing their reactions to my jokes. No audience is ever the same. I also love being about to have a platform to have freedom of speech so i can say whatever I like really
You’ve got 20 seconds to sell the show to somebody in the street…
Sikisa: Do you ever learn from your mistakes? or do you like enjoying making mistakes! Come and see this show where me and Adrian talk about things we should have learnt about but we cannot guarantee that they are going to help as we are rubbish with providing answers. It’s well worth it just to see Adrian talk about piegons and me try to prove I’m better than Beyonce
We Should Know Better
52 Canoes, Grassmarket
August 4-19 (20.15)
Mumble Comedy 