Introducing... The Nicest Kids In Town
Edna Turnblad
Played by: PHILL JUPITUSPhill Jupitus began his performing career in 1984, when he quit working in a Job Centre to become a ranting poet, quickly rising to prominence supporting such bands as The Style Council and The Housemartins. While working for indie record label Go! Disc his duties included being press officer for
The Housemartins and directing videos for Billy Bragg and the late Kirsty McColl. In the evenings Phill's poetry and compering became so successful he appeared onstage with such luminaries as Madness, Ian Dury & the Blockheads and Paul Weller.
Theatre: Waiting for Alice (Edinburgh Festival 2007); Lifecoach (Trafalgar Studios 2008).
Television: Phill's highly successful television career began in 1996 when he became team captain on BBC2's pop quiz Never Mind The Buzzcocks; now in its twenty-third series Phill is the only remaining member of the original line-up. Phill has also starred in Dark Ages; is a regular guest on QI (BBC2/4); and has provided voices for the Aardman Animation series Rex the Runt.
Film: Phill played the tabloid football hack 'Thommo Thompson' in Mike Bassett, England Manager in 2001.
Radio: In 1995 Phill began hosting his own show at BBC Greater London Radio and in 2000 had the honor of playing the first ever record on the BBC's new dedicated music station 6Music as its inaugural Breakfast DJ. Phill is a regular panellist on News Quiz (BBC Radio 4); as well as presenting work on such shows as Phill Jupitus' Comic Strips and The Man Who Bought Hendrix's Stage.
Stand up: Jedi, Steady, Go (1996, UK tour); Quadrophobia (1999, UK tour).
Phill also writes a weekly column for The Times's football supplement, The Game; and is host of The Game podcast. He is also a keen cartoonist and has provided illustrations for The QI Annual, The Times, Radio Times and The Guardian. He still appears regularly with the Comedy Store Players, and has recently performed his poetry at both The Edinburgh Fringe and Glastonbury Festivals. Phill has been honoured to sing lead vocals on recent national tours with The Blockheads and The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.