Emmett Ives and Kamikaze Komedy

Kamikaze Komedy Kapers

Emmett Ives talked to Jude Montague about Kamikaze Komedy and the spirit of true and honest storytelling.

Emmett has been running comedy nights for about 2 1/2 years in Hastings and St Leonards and is currently hosting his events at the Crown House in St Leonards, a beautiful Edwardian Space although next night will be at the Printworks in Hastings on Friday 25 October.

Colin Gibson came up with the name from early posters that had aspects of the Japanese flag in there.

I asked Emmett about this take on the art form. “In my mind the essence of stand up comedy is true and honest story telling, It has the capability of creating community in the audience through laughter. I don’t know what makes a good joke, I like humour that can make you think, and is also absurdist and silly.”

Emmett is keen to celebrate other comedy events and practitioners in the community. “The Hastings Comedy Fringe Festival in June is a fantastic week long event, worth checking out. As well as my friend Dan Palmer who runs an open night comedy night last Friday of every month. The funniest person in my life is my good friend Colin Gibson because of his sharp wit and observation. We can spend hours together in stitches. And Tim Crook from the Bavard Bar is a tower of strength and hilarious host. He has been just the best host for my nights and I want to thank him for showing me encouragement right from the beginning of Kamikaze Komedy.”

Emmett feels comedians have the ability to poke fun and be lighthearted
about current events whether they are good or bad. Humourists that he admires are Russell Hicks for his fantastic crowd work, extremely sharp wit and frantic energy and Ingrid Dahle for her brilliant observational talent, her use of accents and her very infectious character.

“The world of comedy,” he says, “has a very strong community base, it is one of the only art forms that actively encourage each other.”

Emmett’s ambition for Kamikaze Komedy is to establish a recognised name
within the comedy circuit.

You can book tickets for the Printworks Kamikaze Komedy evening on October 25 here – Kamikaze Comedy.

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