A new character creation from Tom Binns (who also brought you hapless hospital DJ Ivan Brackenbury), Ian D Montford is a celebrity séance specialist from Sunderland, who channels famous dead people. Holly Williams chats to Ian (middle name Dean) about of his new show.
Hi Ian. In your show, you’ll be using your psychic abilities to channel dead people. Who are your favourites?
I love Bill Shakespeare I've done a deal with him so he will be making an appearance most nights, we’re very good friends and the audience enjoy his energy. Norris McWhirter has kindly agreed to do all the shows for this run and people can test him on his amazing knowledge which audiences find very impressive. Ernie Wise always pops in to say hello, never brings Eric though which is disappointing.
Do you ever get any badly behaved, foul-mouthed or annoying celebs bothering you?
No, many are just grateful to be still in the limelight. Jimmy Saville often visits me from the other side which I hate. He's not dead, I don't know how he does it and it's just creepy.
What’s the most revealing thing a dead person’s ever told you?
Well you have to ask the people in the audience. A lot of the information is personal to them and that's what's amazing about the show. I am a very accurate Spirit Medium and I reveal dates, places, times and locations that only someone in contact with spirits would know.
When did you first realise you possessed psychic abilities?
I think we all have psychic abilities. Most people choose not to use them. If you've ever known the phone was going to ring before it did then you are also psychic - everyone has experienced this at sometime. I just have to go into a relaxed, calm and peaceful state of mind the kind of feeling you get when you've just done yoga or a murder.
And how have you turned that skill into a show?
Well, now I have the spirits on my side and they’re my friends, we use that to entertain and amaze the audiences.
What response do you usually get from an audience? Do people ever think you’re faking it?
Some people do poo poo what I do do, but by the end of the show they're totally convinced that I'm in touch with spirits. Many skeptics leave believers.
When you die, will you try and find a psychic to talk through? What have you learnt about the afterlife that you can share with us?
No that would be very dangerous if a dead psychic tried to contact one from the living side of life you get feedback.
Are you excited about sharing a bill with any real-life celebs?
No, not really I only like dead ones.
Ian D Montford: Touching The Dead will be at the Canal Cafe Theatre until Saturday 25th September
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