Stewart Francis Interview

 A feature from the May 2017 issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life magazine
Suffolk Norfolk Life May 2017Click to view this issue »
Category
People
Stephanie Mackentyre Meets this Canadian comedian

Stewart Francis is a Canadian comedian, actor and writer. His parents are both British and they travelled independently to Canada and happened to meet in Toronto. His mother originates from Scotland, and he is immensely proud of his Scottish heritage. Stewart celebrated his first birthday in Prestonpans, East Lothian, where 90% of his family still live. At the age of 10 he spent almost a year at school in Edinburgh. Brought up in Canada he came to the UK to “hunt with the big dogs” of comedy. He’s lived in the UK now for over 10 years and still returns regularly to perform in Canada and the US, fitting his visits around his frequent tours of the UK. He says the British sense of humour and, in particular, their love of the underrated pun is one of the main reasons he moved to the UK. So how does his writing style change for his Canadian audiences?

“You do have to change the words for a Canadian audience, but not the humour. The reason I moved to the UK is that my humour resonates far more over here – that’s not to say it doesn’t go well in Canada; it does, which is why it gave me the confidence to come over here and run with the big dogs. As both of my parents are British I have British comedy coursing through my veins. For me it was like coming home, comedically for me.”

He’s a regular on our TV screens appearing as a comedian in Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 Cats. However, in the past his acting ability has seen him starring in a regular series An American in Canada and in Kevin Hill. In 2007 he appeared in the BBC sitcom Not Going Out. His natural persona in front of a camera has taken him recently in front of the lens for a forthcoming block buster movie. “I’ve actually auditioned for a couple of really big feature films. I didn’t get the parts but I’m richer for the experience and I’ll be better prepared next time.

Read the full article in the May 2017 issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life Magazine
Buy Now