John Dowie is a stand up comedian, writer, composer and author. His act is considered by many to be the precursor to the alternative comedy movement. Indeed, when John first started performing solo stand up, there was no live comedy circuit at all.

Over the years John has collaborated with such diverse acts as bands Joy Division and Cabaret Voltaire, comedians Victoria Wood and Alexei Sayle. John says that he’s most proud of his 1994 Edinburgh Fringe children’s show Dogman, directed by Victor Spinetti. The show was later released as an illustrated children’s book. The audiobook was narrated by Phill Jupitus with original songs from the show by Neil Innes.

Before I Go is his fourth book, and has just been published.

John talks to Martin Walker about the book, about his influence on comedy, and about his origin story.

Image by Steve Ullathorne.

John Dowie’s Profile HERE (to buy the book, click on the Merchandise link).