1 When did you think about a career in comedy/acting and what were your first steps into it?
I didn’t consider a career in comedy at all. However, some well-meaning friends pushed me towards it and started to convince me that I could become a stand-up. So, I tried and I suppose they were right. Good friends encourage each other because of course they can see the things that maybe you can’t see for yourself. I am forever grateful to them for that.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
I’ve been to thousands of gigs over the years and of course it’s difficult to name my top three but to name some of the more stand-out gigs off the top of my head I would have to mention the following: Thin Lizzy who played at Belfast’s Maysfield Leisure Centre when I was a teenager; Ray Charles performing at a vineyard in Adelaide back in 1998 – that was a one-off kind of experience; and American singer Candi Staton when she performed at the Jazz Café, London, around about 2006.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
Definitely Basement Jaxx.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
It’ll All Be Over by The Supreme Jubilees. This record is one that is full of hope and love, with a great groove. It’s also perfect for a wee sunrise or sunset shuffle.
5. And the book you’d take?
I guess An Idiot’s Guide to Boat Building could come in handy.
6. Top three films?
Adam & Paul, The Hill and Jean De Florette. Why? Because they are all great films. No more words needed.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
Mad Max Fury Road – a lot of oul twaddle. Plot of which can be summed up as car goes into the desert; car comes back from the desert.
8. Favourite authors?
Brendan Behan, Jan Morris and Bernard MacLaverty.
9. Sports you most enjoy?
In no particular order… football, cycling and boxing.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
France is my favourite holiday destination.
11. Pet hates?
That one is easy – journalists that get the interviewee to do all the spade work.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Steak frites.
Dessert? Tough to choose between a chocolate ganache or a lemon posset – am I allowed both
Drink? Sparkling water with loads of ice and some fresh lime.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
My wife, of course.
14. Is there a God?
Yes, God is in us all. God is love. Find it within and share it about.
Michael Smiley will take part in the 20th annual Belfast Film Festival which runs throughout the month of November. His event, Desert Island Flicks, on Wednesday November 25, is a cinematic cross-examination by festival host and film critic Brian Henry Martin. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance at Belfastfilmfestival.org
