Harrison Kirby plays Dr.Jansen Majenkas in Con(spiracy) Man, a comedy-lecture “to uncover the truth behind some of the internet’s weirdest conspiracy theories.“ So on that note, we invited our own pseudo-lecturer Dr.Pants (otherwise known as Noah Alfred Pantano) to interview Harrison Kirby on his zany and unforgettable comedy character. Con(spiracy) Man is on at the Colchester Fringe Festival July 23/26.
NAP: Hello Harrison Kirby, otherwise known as Dr.Majenkas. Tell me, what is Con(spiracy) Man?
HK: You know your mad, conspiracy theory obsessed uncle who posts insane stuff on Facebook whilst he’s going through a divorce? What if he was your university lecture? And you couldn’t escape.
NAP: From one comedy lecturer to another, how do you use lectures in your show to create comedy? How do you subvert expectations around lectures and education?
HK: I grew up on comedians like Dave Gorman, who really utilised the PowerPoint approach to comedy. When I realised that the PowerPoint approach was kinda like giving a lecture, the idea kinda stuck. It felt perfect. You’re almost forced, by convention, to listen to every word I say, and take it all super seriously. So when I start saying really dumb things, you have to take it as the gospel truth. After all, I’ve got the degree.
NAP: Who is Dr.Jansen Majenkas? Where did they get their doctorate? What was their thesis is? Is this someone I can trust?
HK: Dr Jansen Majenkas was born in 1958 following his parents relocation to the UK from Ukraine. Once an esteemed historian, his divorce led him down rabbit holes and conspiracies. He lost his job at the Open University (which he calls The University of Open), fell on hard times and now lives in his car, delivering lectures in pubs, clubs and comedy venues. He won’t tell me where he got his doctorate or what his thesis is on. He is absolutely not to be trusted and definitely don’t lend him any money.
NAP: He sounds like a lot. Where did the idea for this character come from?
HK: I used to take a lot of mental health walks when I was struggling with my mental health. Majenkas came to me, fully formed on those walks. The look came from a wig that my old house mate had for a cosplay they were doing. I put it on and felt like this gave away the exact mad professor vibe I needed.
NAP: Dr.Majenkas sounds a little crazy with the conspiracy theories, but that makes me curious: What is your favorite conspiracy theory, Harrison?
HK: I absolutely love anything to do with the moon landing. It’s what initially got me excited about conspiracies. But, I can’t lie, there’s a special place in my heart for the “king is a lizard” theories.
NAP: How would you describe your style of comedy?
HK: I love a lot of deadpan comics, like Stewart Lee, and the satire of shows like The Thick of It or Dr Strangelove (there’s some surprisingly political moments in my show which I’m quite proud of), but I also think if you enjoy iconic characters like Alan Partridge or David Brent, the cringeworthy nature of some of the shows best moments will make you chuckle.
NAP: Let’s pretend (pretend being the key word because I’m already sold), but let’s pretend I’m torn on coming to see your show: what’s one thing you’d tell me to convince me to buy a ticket?
HK: If you like taking a bit to the absolute extreme, this is a great show for it. It’s quotable, silly, and you don’t have to be super internet savvy to get all the references!
NAP: To my understanding, this is your first fringe show. What made you want to do fringe comedy? Are you nervous for your first performance?
HK: It is my first show! Shitting myself to be honest! But I’ve always loved the idea of fringe comedy, and the idea of having a show that was just mine. I’ve done cabaret shows and loved having a spot on them, but having a show which is mine, where I’m in creative control is just so thrilling. Feels like a dream to be honest!
NAP: What made you want to perform at Colchester Fringe?
I love Colchester, it’s where I grew up and spent so many of my favourite moments and the art/comedy scene here is second to none. It’s got a magic vibe. Plus, it’s where the car that Dr Majenkas lives in is parked.
Con(spiracy) Man is on at the Colchester Fringe Festival July 23/26.
Be sure to check out all the upcoming plays at Colchester Fringe, including Fringe Review’s “Highly Recommended” A Year and A Day and One Man Poe and FringeReview’s very own resident reviewer and blogger, Noah Alfred Pantano’s Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of sorts) who you can read our interview with here.
