The Poof Downstairs is the first independent work by Jon Haynes, one half of multi award winning theatrical duo Ridiculusmus. This circuitous and dark comedy follows the story of Jeremy, who moves back into his parents' home to find little has changed. He is still dominated by a nagging mother and bewildered by a distant father who dreams of going fishing. In the conflict that follows Jeremy becomes the focus of his parents' struggle for supremacy.
We caught up with Haynes to find out more about the show, kissing on the street and cruising.
Tell me a little about The Poof Downstairs. What can we expect?
You can expect the unexpected! It’s not, for example, about a poof downstairs! I don’t want to give too much away.
Where did the inspiration for the show come from?!
It came from failing to do another show called The Penis.
So how autobiographical is it – have you moved back in with your parents and are you poof downstairs?!
Neither, I’m afraid. It started as autobiography but I got bored with the truth - although I hope it has the ring of truth.
Tell me about your character?
I’m a very nice guy, a bit quiet, handsome according to some people, young-looking, prone to introspection but capable of having a lot of fun.
If you had to date one of the characters in the show, who would you pick and why?
Probably myself. I think we get on quite well and are well acquainted with each other’s foibles.
You usually work with David Woods as part of Ridiculusmus. How does it feel to be going it alone?!
Lonely, actually.
So does it feel like a tiff with your partner or an exciting first date?!
Neither, although I am enjoying it.
"We kissed in the street on the way back to his place, quite daring actually in a small midlands town in 1979. I vaguely remember the sound of catcalls as we stood there."
Do you still get nervous on first nights?
Yes, but I pretend I don’t because the audience is not interested in your nerves.
Can you remember your first date – where did you go and did you kiss later that night?!
We kissed in the street on the way back to his place, quite daring actually in a small midlands town in 1979. I vaguely remember the sound of catcalls as we stood there.
So what would you like audiences to take with them after having seen The Poof Downstairs?
If they’re good-looking they can take me!
The show’s been described as “hilariously observed” so I take it you’re a keen people watcher. What are your top tips for watching people without being noticed?!
Become their friend and then steal their identity.
Have you ever been caught starring – and I don’t mean in a cruising kind of way?!
Yes, but only in a cruising kind of way
Finish the sentence, a good play starts with?
The audience in their seats.
And ends with?
Applause.
"You can expect the unexpected! It’s not, for example, about a poof downstairs!"
Michael Stipe described his sexuality by explaining that for every 10 people he is attracted to, 7 are guys and 3 are girls. How about you?
Probably the same. And only one is English.
When did you first become aware of gay issues?
When I saw Tom Robinson performing ‘Sing If You're Glad To Be Gay’ in The Secret Policeman’s Ball.
What cliché most applies to you or your life?
‘He ennobled his circle of friends.’
What were you doing this time yesterday?
I was in the pub.
What will you be doing this time tomorrow?
I don’t actually know.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
David Tennant or Matthew Goode.
And finally, what’s next for Jon Haynes?
Just getting through tomorrow.
Read Our Interview With Ridiculusmus »
Click to read the award-winning duo talk about sitting naked in a bath and acting with their genitals!
Read Our Review Of Tough Time, Nice Time »
Click for our review of Ridiculusmus' show, where two naked gay Germans sit in a bath, in a sauna, in Bangkok!
The Poof Downstairs, by Jon Haynes
Battersea Arts Centre
Lavender Hill
London, SW11 5TN
020 7223 2223 / www.bac.org.uk
Thursday-Saturday, 4-20 March 2010 at 8pm (4 March at 8.30pm)
Running time: approx. 1 hour