LA-based London comedian Miles Otway has performed at venues like LA’s The Comedy Store, The Ice House and Flappers.
Now he’s heading to Glastonbury Festival where he’ll perform in the Cabaret Tent in the Theatre & Circus fields, while hosting a radio show on the festival’s Worth FM.
We caught up with Miles ahead of gates opening to find out what it’s been like going from London to LA to Worthy Farm.
Q&A with Miles Otway
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a London boy living in LA. I’m originally from Harrow, but I’ve lived in the states for almost 8 years, the first 5 in San Francisco. I DJ, I’m a radio host (Worthy FM: 12-2am during Glastonbury), I do voice over and I occasionally act, but nothing makes me happier than being in front of a crowd, either as an MC or a comedian. A teacher of mine once described me as gregarious…but I didn’t know what that meant. I do now though and I would say I agree. I love being around people and having a laugh. I have an infectious laugh…or a very loud one depending on who you ask (my wife when she’s trying to relax). I’m a movie buff, I love festivals and going out dancing.
How did you get into live performance?
I started off at hospital radio and really enjoyed the fact that I could broadcast my thoughts to try and cheer people up. In the years that followed I learnt to DJ, became a continuity announcer for some of the UK’s biggest channels, Sky and CHannel 4, started a youtube channel and emceed small events, l. I always knew that I wanted to do stand up but I was way too scared. I couldn’t even really admit to myself.
But one day after watching a particularly bad MC at a terrible comedy show I thought…well if they can do it why am I so scared to even try. I booked a course and the rest is history. A year and a half later I’m about to perform at the biggest festival on the planet. It sounds cliche but, if I could give anybody any advice out there it’s just to take that leap of faith. You never know what’s going to happen. This will also be the first time I’m performing in front of an English crowd so…no pressure…
What’s it like to be performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival?
It’s a dream come true. A dream that honestly I didn’t even have because I never even believed it was possible. I’ve been coming to Glastonbury for about 6 years now to be on the radio. It was amazing enough being able to broadcast, and also managing to secure a few dj gigs at bars. But to be on stage. I still can’t believe it!. I’m doing a show in front of my friends and family the week before which will be my first show in front of an English crowd. I don’t know if that one will count because everyone there will know me. Making English strangers laugh could be a whole other thing. I saw the line up and thought…I think they made a mistake. One night I’m following Richard Blackwood!!! Insane!
What can you tell us about your plans for the shows?
Because I’ve only done comedy in the US my perspective is all about being a fish out of water. America is a very racially charged society, but also one that doesn’t know much about the world. Being a black man with an English accent makes me intriguing to a lot of people. People are always shocked when I open my mouth and that really works in my favour. Now that I’m in England…I’m not special at all. I have to tell my story from the point of view as a world-weary traveller returning home with fables from his journey. And if all else fails, slagging off American people always goes down well.
How do you approach performing at a festival like this?
I’m going to rewrite a lot my material from a different perspective and go out there and perform my ass off! This will be my first ever festival gig. I have done comedy festivals but they’ve never been part of something wider, or as big. So this will be a career defining/ life milestone (no pun intended).
Will you be checking out any other acts across the weekend?
I definitely want to see Richard Blackwood just before me. I used to watch him on tv as a kid so it will be a huge boost if nostalgia. Also I feel like I could learn something. I also want to see Emmanuel Sonubi. The guys hilarious! As for music, too many DJs to mention but earlier this year I got really into Pinkpantheress so I’m looking forward to catching her.
