Larry Dean from SNL UK: ‘That heckle was so painful it left my heart pounding!’ | | Section

Behind the scenes, is SNL UK a tightly run machine or a total mess?
It’s a combination of both: destruction that’s perfectly orchestrated. Doing a show from Monday to Saturday will be hectic but they will get the best out of the group. All the costume people, the cameras, the set designers… they’re amazing. There have been moments where I thought: are we going to pull this off? But we always do very well.

Where were you when you received the call that you would be a member of the group?
In Daniel Sloss’ bedroom. He woke me up… Honestly, I don’t know. I just make a different story every time.

How cruel is the cutting of the film?
First, we have a table read where everyone brings their ideas. On Wednesday afternoon, we sit around the table with writers, producers and the rest of the team. After that, they decide which drawings will make it to the dress rehearsal on Saturday evening.

There are usually three or four drawings that cannot be seen. After the dress rehearsal, we have a meeting where we find out what will be cut in the live show. When (SNL creator) Lorne Michaels met with us, he said you have to learn to let things go for the sake of the show. It can’t be about people’s egos. I agree with that, and I think that’s why it’s so important that the cast, crew and writers remain a real team. You just go: ok, ok. My idea doesn’t work.

How did you get into comedy?
When I was at Southampton Solent University, a friend of mine started standing up, so I started too. From my second year at uni, I was going to London to do an open mic session, and I just went there. I had to give up alcohol to make it to gigs because you don’t get paid for open mics.

Who were your idols when you first started?
I don’t think there’s a single Scottish person who wouldn’t say Billy Connolly. I always remember Richard Pryor Live in Concert being amazing. I grew up with Jim Carrey and Robin Williams movies and standup

Do you remember a comedy that was so bad it’s now funny?
In Dundee, a guy tricked me by saying his dad was dying, to come to my gig for fun and it didn’t work. I remember walking off the stage and my heart was pounding with so much rage. I returned to that place after a year and all the audience remembered.

What can the audience expect from your new show, Hellbent?
It’s art-based, human-driven, and can be crazier than what I usually do.

Do you have any show traditions?
I always have to make sure I walk and I need to warm my face. I remember reading that if you smile in the mirror, your brain automatically sees someone else smiling and it makes you happy.

You have been there elected to Edinburgh Funny three awards. Is this in the back of your mind when creating a new show?
No. The selection was very good but at the same time, if you try to write a show based on the ideas of the group’s creators you won’t get an award. You might as well try not to think as much as possible.

Do you have a post-showing traditions?
Are alcohol and parties considered a ritual?

What have you learned about photography and photography? One of the biggest challenges of transitioning from stand-up to doing a comedy show was that, in stand-up, I could go on stage, try a joke, and know immediately if it worked. If not, I can think of three or four changes and try again in the next set. With sketch, you’re making someone else’s notes as well as your own. You have to trust your instincts a lot.

What’s next for you?
My partner and I moved to Manchester in December, but I caught SNL so I didn’t sleep a night in my new apartment. That’s one thing I’m looking forward to…sleeping in my new home!