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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Interview by Liam Pape

Sandi Toksvig: Always have a chair – the whole ‘standup’ thing is overrated

‘Audiences seem more upbeat’ … Sandi Toksvig.
‘Audiences seem more upbeat’ … Sandi Toksvig. Photograph: Debbie Toksvig

Who inspires you?
My wife, Debbie. She is a remarkable woman. Wise and witty. I cannot believe my luck to have found her.

Can you remember a gig so bad, it’s now funny?
Many years ago, I was the opening act at Stockholm’s first comedy club in Sweden. In those days I had a solid 20 minutes that always worked in the UK. The Swedes speak excellent English, so I thought it would be fine. I did 20 minutes to complete silence followed by raucous applause. I asked the organiser why no one laughed and she replied “We didn’t like to interrupt”.

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