Jason Manford Reflects on Pivotal Peter Kay Encounter
Comedian, actor, and presenter Jason Manford has revealed how a single conversation with comedy legend Peter Kay dramatically altered the course of his life and career. In a candid reflection, Manford described the meeting as a genuine "sliding doors moment" that set him on an unexpected path to success.
The Fateful Night That Changed Everything
Nearly three decades after his first stand-up performance at age 17 in a Manchester pub where he worked, Manford recalls the evening that would prove transformative. "I was already working in the pub itself, so it wasn't like I was a stranger to people," he explained. "They were like 'oh he's having a go, fair enough!' They were all behind me, which was lovely."
Despite this encouraging start, Manford continued working a day job after college while performing stand-up in the evenings. The turning point came when he shared a bill with Peter Kay, who was headlining at a comedy club. "Afterwards he gave me a lift home to Salford and asked if I thought about pursuing stand-up or going to university," Manford recalled.
Unexpected Guidance and University Opportunity
When Manford expressed his intention to focus solely on comedy, Kay offered surprising advice. "He said doing that would protect me from the real world for a little bit and I thought 'ok that's interesting'," Manford shared. Kay had studied media and performance at the University of Salford and suggested Manford consider the same path.
Weeks later, Manford received an unexpected invitation. "Even though I didn't quite have the right results, Peter had very thoughtfully rung the university and suggested me to do it," he revealed. This intervention led to an audition and eventual acceptance into the program. "That was a bit of a sliding doors moment. If I hadn't of done that gig on that night, I wouldn't have gone on to university or met my first wife or had our children," Manford pondered.
Comedy Roots and Educational Advocacy
Growing up in Whalley Range, South Manchester as one of five children, Manford credits his working-class upbringing for developing his comedic sensibilities. "My dad and mum were very witty," he shared. "There's a lot of things to cry about when you've got nothing, so you have to have a laugh."
Despite being "confident and a show-off" at home, Manford says he wasn't the class clown and only developed his comedic voice in his late teens. Now, he passionately advocates for comedy education in schools. "Not so everyone becomes stand-up comedians because, quite frankly, I don't need the competition!" he joked.
"But as far as confidence and talking in front of people is concerned, if you are the manager at Tesco you need to be able to talk to your staff and present in a logical way," he explained. "I think stand-up writing and performing teaches you to edit your words effectively. So that's why I think having stand-up taught in schools is not a bad idea."
Addressing Misconceptions and Future Aspirations
Manford also addressed common misconceptions about stand-up comedy. "I think the biggest misconception is we get heckled all the time and that it's debilitating when it happens. Actually, heckling is pretty rare," he clarified. "You are the only one amplified with a microphone and often they've had a drink, and you haven't... so the odds are weighed in your favour."
Since breaking through as a team captain on "8 Out of 10 Cats" in 2007, Manford has presented numerous shows including "Comedy Rocks," "Show Me the Funny," and "A Question of Sport: Super Saturday." He has also starred in West End musicals like "Sweeney Todd," "The Producers," and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," with plans to appear in "Something Rotten" in Manchester this summer alongside his current comedy tour.
Looking ahead, Manford expressed interest in testing his comedy across cultures. "I've done a few gigs in America and when you perform to a group of people who don't know who you are already and seeing if your comedy transcends the cultures... I think that's something I'd like to try at some point." He also mentioned aspirations to appear in classic West End productions like "Les Misérables" or "The Phantom of the Opera," and potentially join "Celebrity Traitors."
Current Projects and Comedy's Importance
Manford is currently collaborating with Cheez-It on the Comedy Credit Service initiative, aimed at boosting national morale after research indicated one in ten Brits couldn't remember their last proper laugh. "Giving joy and getting joy is the best thing and this campaign just made sense to me," he said about the project.
Reflecting on comedy's essential role in society, Manford emphasized its therapeutic value. "There's nothing better than sharing laughter," he stated, underscoring his belief in comedy's power to connect people and improve wellbeing.
