Alexis Dubus, AKA French provocateur Marcel Lucont, is taking part in the New Zealand International Comedy Festival 2degrees Comedy Convoy.
What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?
I recall, age 10, being given a copy of Le Petit Prince by my uncle. However, it was evidently bought from a used book shop, with the book sleeve in fact sheathing a compendium of erotic fiction. I know many people who have kept their copy of Le Petit Prince into adulthood, and I am no exception.
What smell do you find irresistible?
My initial thoughts on this were a log fire, cut grass and bacon, leading me to question whether in fact I could add to this list anything not dead. I suppose I am always intrigued by the first smell of a woman's boudoir. An alive woman.
What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
Its ubiquity. I am not suggesting humans would be better if there were less of them, but they certainly would be easier to avoid.
What is one strong childhood memory?
A school exchange to Coventry, England. This opened my eyes in the same way that an abysmal smell does. Never again did we complain about our own school dinners or education. It was at least fascinating to discover that the English add the word "French'' to indicate superiority - see French kiss, French toast, French dressing, etc.
What is your message?
Life is tough. Deal with it like you would a tough steak. Don't just leave the restaurant; demand a better steak or just learn to cook your own. Although in a restaurant complaining to the manager will probably just get you another steak. I suppose this simply proves that in life there is no manager, so the analogy still works.
