Andrew Drummond

From The Times
May 27, 2003

Scot mines rich vein of humour in Thailand

From Andrew Drummond in Bangkok

A FORMER Scottish miner has been honoured in Thailand as a comedian for his achievements in bringing “joy and happiness” to the Thai people over the past six years.

John Innes, 50, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, has had the title “Tah Man” bestowed on him for his comic work in Thai burlesque shows and on national television, but he admits that his command of the Thai language is still limited.

“Tah Man” is the name of a fictitious character in Thai folklore who travelled the kingdom 1,500 years ago bringing joy and happiness to others.

The name was bestowed on Mr Innes by fellow comedians in Thailand and can be used by no other person as long as he lives.

Mr Innes, a former apprentice miner at Monktonhall colliery, Midlothian, made his own guitar at the age of 10 and at 15 won a talent contest in Dalkeith.

“I achieved some little fame as a DJ and in Scottish bands and then I went to Australia and performed in a live band, until our manager ran off with our funds,” he said. “But this honorific title I have been given is something I am really proud of.

“It’s recognition of six years in the entertainment industry where I am I suppose a household face.”

Mr Innes left Scotland in 1978 to work in Australia as an insurance consultant. There he met his Thai wife and they moved to live in Thailand in 1994.

He entered Thailand’s burlesque comedy club scene in 1997, singing English songs and ad libbing in English or, as he says, “in gibberish”, to comedy sketches.

“A lot of the comedy was visual, which Thais like, such as Mr Bean and Benny Hill, and they seemed to take to me quickly,” he said.

Rival comedy venues were soon seeking his talents, with, he says, “most of the laughs coming from my appalling Thai”.

Mr Innes has made more than 70 television appearances and is currently starring in his kilt on Thai television Channel 3’s popular Twilight Show.

He has also been asked to test for the Jackie Chan film Around the World in 80 Days.