CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — It’s that time again.
It’s January and a certain Cape Breton funny man is calling me.
With his orange hat and bright blue overalls, Jimmy the Janitor has brightened the lives of Canadians for over 30 years with his colourful but clean-cut comedy style.
He’s coming to P.E.I. later this month to do shows in Summerside and Pooles Corner and he’s eager to tell me about it. Jimmy also wants to bring me up to date with everything that has happened in his life since we spoke last.
With this in mind, The Guardian asked the popular comedian (who preferred not to divulge his non- performing alter- ego) to take part in a Q&A in the form of a telephone call. He agreed, giving his responses in his usual, colourful way, which we have left totally intact in order to capture his unique voice.
Here’s how the conversation went:
Sally: How’s it going, Jimmy?
Jimmy: How’s she going ta yous too Sally. Thanks fer callin’ girl.
Sally: What are you up to?
Jimmy: Well, me leg is up on a chair and I gots bag a peas on me ankle, I’m jest sorta havin’ a writing stuff down day; ya know making up new laughs fer me show eh.
Sally- What happened to your ankle?
Jimmy: Playin’ hockey last night, got a puck in da ankle...all swelled up eh.
Sally: Do the peas work?
Jimmy: Oh yeah, it’s me mudder's ole time remedy for whatever ails ya b’y. Ma would say “put a bag of peas on dat b’y”... a bag of peas will make it all better.” Like a bag of peas was always the go-to fixer upper b’y, da most important vegetable in our house. Thanks, Ma.
Sally: What are you up to when you’re not rehearsing or performing on stage?
Jimmy: Partyin’ with friends, writin’ stuff down, hanging out at Tim’s, writin’ stuff down.
Sally: Where do the comedy ideas come from?
Jimmy: I git ideas everywheres b’y, jest watchin’ an listening ta people. Like I’m buildin’ a sketch 'bout people like me forgettin’ ta bring a bag ta da grocery store. We need huge 50-foot-wide signs outside the grocery store sayin’, did you bring yer bag stupid? Most people can relate ta dat, eh? Or a rant ‘bout my own pre-diction ta cookies. I’m not sure how many cookies it takes to be happy but…so far it’s not 27. Like today I’m workin’ on Pogey Prime, Global Warnin’, Toilet Paper Ninjas (thanks JoAnn and Valerie) and a blackmailin’ memory foam mattress. I jest love doin’ dis stuff b’y!
Sally: Sounds lot a lot of laughs, Jimmy. So, you are coming to P.E.I. in a few weeks?
Jimmy: Yes indeed. Wit all da tourin’, we don’t git to P.E.I. as much as I’d like eh. So I’m really happy ta be doin’ a show at da Kaylee Hall in Pooles Corner on Jan. 31 an at da Celtic Performing Arts Centre Summerside on Feb. 1. Dis will be me first visit to dese stages an I’m right excited.
Sally: How will the shows unfold?
Jimmy: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and folks often arrive and have a pop before the show. Da comedy starts at 7:30 with two, 40-minute sets. You’ll still be laughin’ when ya get home.
Sally: Why is it important for you to stay busy in the winter?
Jimmy: I work from October ta May an take da summer off the road ta write stuff down. It’s kinda what da new sketch Pogey Prime is all about. As my producer Dan said ta me, “If yer goin’ ta be off, be off in da summer b’y!" Good advice, I’d say!
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.
Up close and personal with Jimmy
- Favourite food: Pizza and beer.
- Favourite CD: The Bridges of Cape Breton County. (Clint Eastwood is not on dis album)
- Favourite TV show: Hockey Night in Canada. I kinda miss Don a little, but he done it ta his self, eh?
- Current book: Canadian Tire Catalogue. Takes ma a few months to finish dat, eh?
If you are going
- Jimmy the Janitor will perform Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., at the Kaylee Hall at Pooles Corner. Tickets are available at Mel’s Petro Canada in Montague.
- He will also perform Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Celtic Performing Arts Centre in Summerside. Tickets are available at the box office in Summerside or at ticketpro.ca.
- Doors for both shows open at 6:30 p.m.
Call in and win
- The question is: What is Jimmy the Janitor’s favourite show?
- The prize: A pair of tickets to his upcoming show. Two winners will be chosen – one from the Montague area, one from Summerside.
- Last week’s winner: Judy Goulden won tickets see Steven Page and the P.E.I. Symphony.
