Frost descends on comedy club this weekend

Interview by Pauline Rea

One of Channel 4's biggest and most successful comedy programmes was the improvisation show Whose Line Is it Anyway?

Hosted by the short-necked Clive Anderson the show ran for a decade, and boasted some of the freshest comic talent from both sides of the Atlantic.

One of the most familiar faces from the show was that of Steve Frost.

Steve is probably best known for his work with comedy partner Mark Arden who together formed The Oblivion Boys on alternative comedy launch-pad Saturday Live.

Steve has been taking part in Whose Line Is It Anyway? at the Comedy Club in London for almost 30 years, long before it ever hit radio or the small screen. These days, he tours the globe with a varying team of comics performing at everything from Electric Picnic to Glastonbury - and this week, he will be bringing the show to the Grand Opera House as part of their Festive Funnies Fridays.

"We have basically been touring all this time with the show," said Steve. "It was running in the comedy club long before it made it to TV - and it still does. In fact Paul Merton and Josie Lawrence still come down and take part on Wednesdays and Sundays if they are able too.

"I think the show's success lies in its simplicity. There's no flash set, nothing complex and that is why it works. The secret is to get very talented people to take part - and we continue to do that."

Joining Steve on stage this weekend will be original member Richard Vranch, who also provided the musical element on the TV show, Neil Mullarkey also from the original series along with special comedy guest Ian Coppinger.

The show is simple. The comedians improvise the comedy based on suggestions from the audience, so every night is different. I asked Steve if the show was really off the cuff or did they have the chance to discuss any action plans prior to going on stage: "What's to discuss?" he laughed. "We will get off the plane in Belfast, go the Europa Hotel, over to the Crown for a pint, then back over to the Opera House and on to the stage! There's no time to discuss!

"We have a basic idea of what 'games' we will do and who will go with who, but that's it. The rest comes from the audience. The only problem we can have is understanding the accent! So if you are coming shout loud and clear!

"Of course sometimes we loose the plot and make a mess of it but that's the beauty of it. It all adds to the humour. It can be a little nerve-wracking going onstage 'unprepared' but that's the nature of the show. We've all been doing it so long, we love it."

This Friday's Festive Funny, whose Line Is It Anyway starts at 10.30 pm in the Grand Opera House. For details on this or following Funnies or to book click on www.goh.co.uk or call 02890 241919.