Would you give up a high flying sales job to manage England’s worst radio station? Roland Gent did just that. Based in Greater Manchester it was one man’s dream just to put a bit of rock’n’roll back into radio, set against an inner city background of gangsters, burnt out cars, drugs and dog fighting. Martin Walker chats to Roland via email to find out more.
I was always writing radio comedy sketches, jokes and ideas. Went to my first comedy show aged nearly 30, and took the plunge a year later.
“Do You Remember Rock n Roll Radio? is a show about going for your dream and finding out it's maybe not all you'd hoped for.
“It's got bits about being a big music fan, how radio works, community radio, the history of radio, radio bloopers, and the usual kind of Edinburgh show ending.”
Why did you choose to perform as part of Laughing Horse?
“Because they've done the hard part for you-finding a great venue.”
Why did you get into performing comedy and how did you get started?
“I was always writing radio comedy sketches, jokes and ideas. Went to my first comedy show aged nearly 30, and took the plunge a year later.”
Tell us your best, worst experiences as a comedian.
“Worst, everyone dies, having an entire hen party ruin my act, then being told you died, by a promoter who wasn't at the gig, so you aren't being booked for that club again
“Best, running a great club, having an entire audience at Jongleurs cheering for you. Winning new acts competitions.”
If you were curating a stand-up show for television, who would be your guests?
Gary Delaney, Andy Zaltzman, Reverend Obidiah Steppenwolf the Third.
Broadway Baby Listing and Edinburgh Fringe Box Office: http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/do-you-remember-rocknroll-radio/702139
