Interview: Stephen K Amos

HE may have become a familiar face on our TV screens, but comedian Stephen K Amos still prefers the cut and thrust of the live stand-up scene – where anything can happen, and frequently does.

Like any comic he’s become used to fielding heckles over the years, but on a recent tour his life flashed before his eyes when he thought a disgruntled audience member had taken things a step too far.

“Halfway through the gig one of the giant lightbulbs overhead exploded,” he says. “The people sitting in the first few rows literally jumped out of their seats and it sounded like a gun had gone off. I thought it was my JFK moment.”

Thankfully Amos lived to fight another day, and now he’s back on the road with a new show entitled The Best Medicine, which sums up his general philosophy.

“The best thing is to try and see the humour in every situation,” he explains. “About a year ago my mum found a diary that I’d written when I was about 14, and it brought back memories of a horrible time in my life. Back then I was wondering who I was and whether I fitted in; I fell in love for the first time and got it wrong.

“But the point is that even when things are painful, nine times out of ten you can look back and laugh. That person I loved? I once camped outside their house for three days straight.”

Amos is best known to the public for his light-hearted appearances on TV shows such as Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo, while his own series – The Stephen K Amos Show – was broadcast last year on BBC2. But the 43-year-old has tackled serious subjects in his time, too.

Several years ago the London performer – who is openly gay – felt compelled to act after a friend of his was killed in a homophobic attack. The result was his 2007 Channel 4 documentary, Batty Man, which explored homophobia in the black community. “I decided I wanted to stand up and be counted,” says Amos. “What saddened me is that when I was making the programme I approached a number of high-profile black people who I knew to be gay and they refused to be involved.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’m proud of it. I remember being relieved that I was out of the country when it was broadcast, because I didn’t know what to expect and I was worried about a backlash.”

The reception however, couldn’t have been more positive. Even more rewarding than his BAFTA nomination, says Amos, is the fact that he has since had tough-looking “yoofs” approach him in the street to congratulate him on the programme.

There may be a serious side to Amos, but in conversation he’s gently amusing and thoughtful. Perhaps that’s why he found himself cast in the West End run of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest alongside Christian Slater, back in 2004.

“It was one of the most exciting projects I’ve done. Christian Slater was great. He’s got no Hollywood airs and graces at all, and we had some nights on the town.”

Growing up with his Nigerian parents and seven siblings in London in the ‘70s, a future as a comedian was something the young Amos never contemplated.

“When I was a kid the comedy that was on TV didn’t really relate to me and my family,” he explains. “But as I went on people started saying: ‘You’re a funny guy’. I came from a big family, so I guess it was just my way of getting noticed.”

After completing a law degree and doing various jobs including a stint in telesales, Amos was in his mid-20s when a friend finally persuaded him to step on stage at a local comedy club.

“I played some hostile venues early on, and there were some disastrous shows. I remember one gig where the audience didn’t laugh at all. Even worse than that, they didn’t boo or heckle either. I just did my whole routine to complete and utter silence.”

Nonetheless, 15 years on the circuit saw Amos hone his skills and – as with the likes of Michael McIntyre and John Bishop – it was TV that gave him his big breakthrough in 2007. “When I ended my last tour with three sold-out shows at the Hammersmith Apollo, that’s when it was really brought home to me. If someone had told me five years ago that I’d be in that position, I just wouldn’t have believed them.

“If I dropped dead tomorrow I can honestly say I’d be happy with my lot. I just take every day as it comes.”

Stephen K Amos is at Harrogate Theatre on Saturday May 7 and York Grand Opera House on Sunday May 8. For more information and tickets, visit www.stephenkamos.com