Who is Harry Wright?
Hello, I’m Harry Wright and I’m Britain’s 4th-best gay autistic comedian (that I know of – soon down to 5th as diagnostic criteria improve). I’m bringing an exclusive preview of my debut one-hour show, Smalltown Boy to Midsumma this year and you should check it out for a fuller answer to this question!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Artistically, I’m still developing and trying to become the world’s funniest autistic fag, so I wouldn’t do anything differently, I’m on the path I’m on. As a person, I’d probably not have had sex with that guy who’s now a Conservative MP. The only excuse I can offer is that it was £2-a-pint night. I think – hope – we’ve all been there.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who uses their art to help people understand new perspectives while not stinting on the funny or forgetting who they are and where they came from. A lot of people tend to do one or the other. Eddie Pepitone is a great comedian, for example. So is Robert White, who’s made huge strides for autistic representation in comedy. And Australia’s very own Rhys Nicholson too.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Revolutionary international socialism now! Short of that, I’ve recently started volunteering to help count and track rare birds, because I am autistic, and of course I try to be a kind person. I hope my comedy can teach people about autism and queerness in a humorous way – it’s easier to talk about serious things when we can have a laugh while doing so, laughter really is the best medicine, apart from that really tasty cough mixture my Mum used to give me as a child. What was IN that stuff?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I feel like I’m contractually obliged to say ‘Australia’ here, and I love kangaroos with all my heart. Did you know they can jump 13 metres, whereas the human long jump record is 8.95? Again, I’m autistic, and my love of trivia makes me a wonderful travelling companion, perfect for long car and train journeys. Like a little pocket encyclopedia. Cute men hit me up if you need that in your life, I want to travel more.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
London has so many great attractions, but my favourite little out-of-the-way spot is Sweatbox in Soho. It’s got all the attractions you could ever want, all in one place!
What are you currently reading?
Whipping Girl by Julia Serano and In Our Mad & Furious City by Guy Gunaratne.
What are you currently listening to?
The Director’s Cut EP by Curren$y and Harry Fraud. I’m a gay man with straight taste and I almost exclusively listen to stoner rap despite having smoked weed twice in my life and been violently sick on both occasions. The struggle is real.
Happiness is?
Good tea, good laughter and a cuddly dick. You know, one of those real snuggly ones. You’ve seen them.
What does the future hold for you?
I dread to think. But I’ll be taking my show round the UK festival circuit once they’re back up and running, and hopefully elsewhere too including online. See you all there.
Harry will present his one-man-show, Smalltown Boy in an online presentation on 24 & 25 April, as part of the 2021 Midsumma Festival. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Harry Wright – courtesy of Comedy Bloomers