[on
Steve Punt] In 1983 I caught a glimpse of this bedraggled-looking bloke in the carpark at the ADC [Theatre] at Cambridge. Steve was a sort of comedy god in the Footlights; I was just blissfully dipping my toe in now and again. Eventually I joined the Footlights and went up to Edinburgh to the Fringe, where the Footlights took on proper actors in a game of football. After two minutes, Steve was hacked down by someone - probably in the RSC - and broke his arm. We all went to Spain shortly after and all I can remember is Steve sitting on the beach with his whole arm in a cast. Somehow we fell into a double act. Steve pushed us along in those early days, because he didn't have a regular job. I lived a double life - young brands manager at Unilever during the day and performing at night. Steve wrote everything, booked everything, spoke to the BBC, got us all our gigs. He was living hand to mouth, but his dedication never faltered. All I could offer was a car to drive us places. I wouldn't be working in comedy now if it wasn't for him. I don't think Steve and I have ever had an argument - we are both calm, and neither of us ever flies off the handle. I'm sterner and like to get things done, more punctual, and a lot tidier. We shared a flat in Wimbledon, and that's when I learned: he's not a tidy boy. Then again, I'm a bit too tidy. Steve is a really good companion, especially on tour. We're interested in the same things. I'd be loath to say to my wife: "Shall we go to the Lawnmower Museum?" But Steve would say: "Yes!" We've been to all the crap attractions around the UK; Carthorse World was one. Steve's been on his own to Barometer World. Perfect. Steve was my best man at my second wedding and did a very good, very funny speech. I've always found him funny. I hope he finds me funny, too.
