Guy Bass Q & A
We quiz Guy Bass, author of Stitch Head, on his favourite stories, his phobias and how he got his curious nickname. Read on to find his answers and details of his upcoming show in October half term!
What was your favourite book as a child?
George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl was the first book that blew my mind. I always dreamed of making my own marvellous medicine and giving it to my horrid old granny. Disappointingly my granny was quite sweet.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would you do with it?
The power to slow time, so I could take ages to write my next book. Obviously I’d just end up watching too much telly and still struggle to make my deadline but no-one said being a superhero was easy.
Does writing about spiders help with your phobia? Or make it worse?
Worse, for sure. I had nightmares after writing about spiders in Stitch Head. The best way to deal with a phobia is to run away from it as fast as possible. Unless you have a fear of running.
What does a “gerbil whisperer” do?
It’s certainly not all glamour, that’s for sure. I’d say it’s 70% admin and 30% desperately fighting for my life. Gerbils, as anyone will tell you, are savage, unrelenting monsters who’ll eat your nose and steal your pocket money as soon as look at you. But there’s also a surprising amount of paperwork involved. Gerbils are sticklers for that sort of thing.
What can we expect from your show at Trinity?
I haven’t decided yet. I’m torn between a hour of ridiculous ramblings, riotous rantings, rib-tickling readings and raucous regalement (with a special guest appearance from Stitch Head illustrator Pete Williamson) … or taking my first bagpipe lesson, live on stage. You’ll have to come along to find out which one I pick.
