Jethro, is bringing his unique comedy style to Nottingham's Royal Centre on the 4th of April as part of his 30th Anniversary Tour.

He is a comic loved by the British public. His Cornish accent makes him an unmistakable character on the circuit. In his 30 years, as a comic, he has had his own TV show and brought out several live stand up videos. 

Jethro granted me a rare interview. He doesn't often give interviews but agreed on this occasion because he counts the Royal Centre as one of the best venues in the country. I had a brief talk with him, on the phone, while he was at his comedy club, Jethro's.

How did you discover that you could tell a good joke/ story?
"I didn't actually start as a comedian. I'm a carpenter by trade. I used be a singer performing in the pubs in and around Cornwall.
Then one night I ran out of voice. I couldn't sing so I started to tell jokes to the crowd. Things progressed from there really".

Even six months after beginning his comedy career Jethro's shows were selling out at every venue. He is still on top of his game and fills over a quarter of a million seats in theatres nationwide each year. All of Jethro's family are musical so it would have come as no surprise to them that he carried on the family tradition.

But what did they think about you becoming a comic?
"They didn't mind at all, but they never thought anything would come of it".

For the want of another phrase, are you from a funny family?
"Yes, my brother is very funny. He is a lot funnier than me. He's naturally funny; he's got the knack".

To date Jethro has released eight live stand-up videos, all of which have been very popular with the general public. In 1993 he brought out `A Portion of Jethro'. It did so well that even it outsold the Disney classic Jungle Book.

Who were your comedy idols while growing up?
"There were few people doing comedy at the time I really noticed while growing up.
But there were a few comedy actors I enjoyed watching. They were Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesieur [from the BBC sitcom Dad's Army".
"I also liked the comedy of Les Dawson and Frank Carson. I've always been into comedy but I only started studying it in-depth when I became a full time comedian".

Out of all the jokes you have written, and told, what's your favourite of them all?
"There have been so many scenarios and jokes I've talked about over the years.
"It's difficult to say really which one I would choose. There's bits in every gag I like. It's impossible to say really".

As previously mentioned Jethro has owned a comedy club, Jethro's, for some years. It is situated near his home in Lewdown, on the Cornwall / Devon border. Many comedians have played at the club including Jimmy Cricket, Jim Bowen and the host of The Generation Game, Jim Davidson.

"As well as the known comedians I have many kids coming here that are just starting out. It's nice to see their keenness and enthusiasm. They always go down well with the audience. They are unknown at the moment, but they have the determination and hopefully they will be recognised one day".

Aside from working in comedy Jethro does a considerable amount of fund raising for various charities. In 1995 Jethro walked from Lands End to Lewdown in order to raise money for the Bristol Cancer Open Scanner Appeal. He raised a grand total of £20,000.

Are you looking forward to your trip to Nottingham?
"I really like Nottingham and the Nottingham people. The Theatre Royal is a great venue to play. The audiences are always very good. They are a proper English audience."
"The people are great but the parking situation there is always a little suspect and I can never get the hang of the one way system that goes through the city".

What are your plans for 2005?
"I'm planning on winding down a bit after the tour.
"I love performing so I will still play gigs but just not as many.
I'd like a bit of time to do other things".
"People says that I'm middle-aged but how many people do you know that are 112 years old?"

Jethro plays at the Royal Centre on 4th April 2005