From Double-Bassist Comic to Hogwarts to Hollywood: Jim Tavaré in His Own Words

In this episode, Danny, is joined by Jim Tavare, comedian, musician, actor and director, famous for his stand-up featuring his double bass, which has made him the recipient of some of the most legendary heckles in the history of the British comedy circuit. He was one of Prince Charles's favourite comedians and is well known for co-creating and starring in the BAFTA award-winning The Sketch Show.  A certain demographic, however, remember him best as Tom, the Leaky Cauldron´s hunchback barman in Harry Potter. His IMDb profile describes him as looking like "a mad scientist escaped experiment." Jim has some great stories to share, including how he found comedic inspiration during an accident that literally nearly killed him, which is fascinating. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS During an accident that nearly killed him, Jim had an out-of-body experience during which comedic inspiration struck. Jim used comedy to help him heal emotionally and mentally. He adapted physical aspects of his act so that his long-term injuries did not stop him from performing. He started his career working in a theatre via a YTS scheme, then the Enterprise allowance. Adding his double bass to his act got laughs for jokes that had previously fallen flat. Most of the time, Jim used his double bass as a prop instead of playing it. Americans respond to a different type of humour and still love the British accent. Prince Charles booked Jim to perform in front of 14 crowned heads of Europe and the UK royal family. Their unique lifestyle meant Jim had to cut some jokes because they couldn´t relate to the experiences. Comedy goes in cycles, and at times the circuit becomes saturated.   BEST MOMENTS “I'd always regarded myself as relatively handsome by European standards, until I got cast as the hunchback in Harry Potter.” “People are now growing avocado trees in London.” “I just couldn’t believe the characters I was meeting and making a living while I was doing it .” “The accent helps.” “Whilst I have Jewish heritage, I can´t really say I'm Jewish.” “I owe my career to that Tony Blair government kind of atmosphere.” “ I have scar tissue on the lungs, so breathing is sometimes an issue. “   ABOUT JIM TAVARÉ  http://www.jimtavare.org https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0851663   HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 https://twitter.com/dannyhurst  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720