Interview: comedian Kyle Kinane on China, Will Ferrell and more
Another big-name US comic is flying into Kung Fu Komedy and this time its the hilarious Kyle Kinane. Originally from Chicago, Kinane is now based out of Los Angeles and you may recognise him from his appearances on Drunk History, Conan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and more, as well as his role as Gillian Jacob's ex-boyfriend in the first series of Judd Apatow's Netflix hit Love.
As a comic he has performed all over the world, including at the Edinburgh Fringe, at the Sydney Opera House and in South Korea, and has released four comedy albums, the most recent being the very good Loose in Chicago (2016).
He appeared alongside huge names such as Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll in 2017 comedy The House and also had a cameo in the star-studded 2009 Funny People, featuring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza.
Basically, this guy knows funny and he's touring China next week starting in Chengdu on Tuesday Feb 6. He'll be in Shanghai at the weekend for three shows (Fri 9 and Sat 10) and you can book your seat through Time Out Tickets. Check out our interview with him and watch a preview of his stand-up below.
https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=d0305uw3t28&width=500&height=375&auto=0
You’ve never been to China before, what are your perceptions of the country?
Sadly, they are typically American. Food, etc. Looking forward to an educational experience.
What are you most looking forward to about coming to Shanghai and performing here?
Any new experience is welcome. Personally, I've been feeling a bit stagnant and traveling is a great way to be reminded of how unimportant minor personal issues are in the grand scope of humanity. That and the food. Looking forward to food. I'm just very hungry while answering these questions.
What are you least looking forward to?
Not looking forward to the pollution. I heard it's so bad in some parts you can’t even see your cigarette in front of your face.
Have you performed in any countries before where English isn’t the first language?
Yes, I performed in Louisiana once, but I noticed if I spoke slowly and used more facial expressions and hand gestures, everything worked out fine.
How does your act differ overseas to how it is back home?
I'm pretty sure my references to the Chipotle on Melrose Avenue right around the corner from the pet shop that used to be the old Rocket Video are universal, so I don't worry about it too much.
Who are your comedy heroes?
The best heroes are the ones that don’t think they're heroes, so I'd have to say my old neighbour Jim who tried to put out an engine fire in his '68 Cougar with a beer. That was very funny. He was missing fingers but still insisted on playing guitar. Electric guitar. Plugged in. Loud.
Who are the best comedians you’ve worked with?
Sean Patton's the funniest comic. Or Baron Vaughn; or Chris Fairbanks; or Sam Jay; or Deb DiGiovanni – those are the best comics. The best comedians are not on TV or Netflix.
Last year you appeared in The House alongside Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. What’s it like to work with such huge stars?
Amy (she insists I call her Amy) was a pure delight. An astral beam of positivity. Mr F (I'm legally not allowed to use his name, as per the restraining order) could barely be bothered as he took a helicopter to and from set, even for lunch breaks. Very unprofessional.
Where are you heading after China? What’s next for you?
Probably quit comedy and move into the woods. Or do more shows. I think I have more shows. Australia? Sure. I'm going to Australia.
KFK Presents: Kyle Kinane Kung Fu Komedy Club, Fourth Floor, 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Julu Lu. Fri 9 and Sat 10. 9pm Fri; 7pm and 9pm Sat. 200RMB; 170RMB (presale). Long press and extract the QR code in the main image to buy tickets.