Rob Lloyd describes himself as an actor, comedian, improviser and 'Time Lord'.

The self-confessed number one Doctor Who fan, and Australian, will investigate in his comedy festival show whether the sci-fi TV series has created a debilitating obsession, or has shaped him into a well-rounded member of society.

Rob tells us about the people behind the one man show, Who, Me at the NZ International Comedy Festival, and his other obsession - The Muppets.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Whenever I am in rehearsals or work shopping new ideas…either that or whenever I’m in front of the TV watching Doctor Who.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Hmmm…not sure…maybe ‘He tries to look more intelligent than he actually is’.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Getting on a stage and performing in front of a group of strangers is still the biggest thrill I get. It’s an addiction…seriously. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing and I can’t see a time when I wouldn’t be performing in some way, space or form in the future.

How does your environment affect your work?

I’m hopeless when it comes to my work environment…I need no distractions, complete focus and my total attention on the job at hand.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I really try to have a solid balance of both…but to be honest, I tend to get too caught up in the little details too often.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

I don’t think I am in any situation to offer any advice to anyone…all I do is continue creating work that makes me laugh.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

I know it’s a cliche to mention your current show but for me…it’s my current show Who, Me. This is only my second solo comedy show, up until now I’ve mostly performed in improvisation group and sketch comedy acts. On both my solo shows I’ve worked closely with Scott Gooding. He’s been my co-divisor and director and we work incredibly well together. I’ve been working professionally for over ten years and the work I’ve created with Scott is what I am most proud of.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

For the last couple of years I have been inspired by British comedian Dave Gorman. He’s shows: Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure, which focus on his obsessive adventures around the world have been incredibly influential to me.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born in a small town in country NSW called Dubbo. I studied acting in Wagga Wagga (which is also in country NSW). I then moved to Melbourne and performed in a musical group called The Dodge for five years. I was Artistic Director of an improvisational comedy troupe called The Crew for six years. I then performed with a sketch comedy trio called The Hounds and now I mostly perform solo.  My main love still though is improvistaion…there’s nothing better than jumping on a stage and having no idea where the show will take you.

What makes you laugh?

The Muppets, the Australian sketch comedy group The D-Gen, Lano and Woodley, as I mentioned earlier Dave Gorman. I’m also a huge fan of comedy legends like: Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Jack Benny, Phil Silvers, Peter Sellers, Monty Python, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey.

How did you get into comedy?

The Muppets…everything I learnt and love about comedy I got from The Muppets.

Tell us about your show – from inception to conception

Who, Me. is about my love of the TV show Doctor Who. I basically put Doctor Who on trial to see whether he has been a positive or negative influence over my life.

The show is actually part 2 of a trilogy of shows I’m working on with my director and co-divisor Scott Gooding. Our process is very ‘up on our feet’, we like to brainstorm and improvise ideas and then workshop them. We don’t move to scripting and refining the performance until very late in the process. Once the script is finalised I don’t stray too far from it during performances…I like to improvise occasionally but only if something out of the ordinary happens during a show.

What are the strengths and challenges of comedy scene in NZ

This will be my first trip to New Zealand to perform. I’m really excited to see how the comedy scene is here. That’s my big challenge…coming to perform somewhere completely new to me. Nobody knows me, so it’s going to be interesting to see if anyone connects with what I have to say.

Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.

Back in Australia I’m about to start the second season of my community TV Talk Show Live On Bowen on Channel 31. This year I’m also continuing on tour of Who, Me. already we’ve done Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin…after NZ we’re heading Perth, Canberra, we’re looking into Brisbane and Hobart as well and to top it all off we’ll be heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. So it’s a big, scary, exciting year.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

Ummm…Time Traveller…that would be pretty awesome. I mean if I could ‘go back’…why stop there? Go back, go forward…the sky’s the limit.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

My drama room. When I was a teacher between 2003 to 2007. It was a wonderful space filled with laughter, tears, break-throughs, challenges, achievements, fun and inspiration. I try to carry that wonderful, creative, rewarding time in my life with me always.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

I love listening to music while I’m on public transport on my way to gig while on tour…great way to get in the right headspace before a show.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

Make a puppet.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Whenever someone yells at me ‘RELAX!’ That always does the trick.

What’s great about the comedy festival?

I’m looking forward to seeing what NZ Comedy Festival has to offer…I’m really excited to get amongst it.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

No spoilers! I’m trying to avoid any spoilers about the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who that will screen in November! It’s going to be tough.

* * *
Vicious Fish Theatre Presents
Rob Lloyd in Who, Me.

Dates: Tue 7 –  Sat 11 May, 8.30pm
Venue: The Basement, Auckland
NZ International Comedy Festival