Interview: Mike James, Tick Tock Time Machine with Andy Day

Mike James stars alongside CBeebies favourite Andy Day in a new time-travelling family show. He chats to Mark Rees.

"Andy and I just love being silly," says Mike James, one half of children's comedy duo Andy & Mike.

"Our show is a whole family day out. We like people to go away smiling. It's funny, it's silly, it's exciting and fast paced. Just come along!"

Mike heads to Port Talbot this February to star in Tick Tock Time Machine alongside his childhood friend and CBeebies star Andy Day.

"We've known each other since we were 11," he explains.

"We were dumped in baby sitters together, we'd partake in drama together, and we just became mates."

Their first hit show was the critically acclaimed Big Box of Bananas, which, like Tick Tock Time Machine, was also directed by a hero of Mike's, Iain Lauchlan.

"He created Fingermouse, which we were both big fans of growing up," says Mike of working with the man who also created the Tweenies.

The new show has been described as a cross between 80s films Back to the Future and Bill and Ted, which Mike is keen to acknowledge.

"We used to love those crazy films with time machines in," he says. "The nostalgia keeps it fun for us, as well as the parents who also have to watch the show."

Mike also credits several other influences on his work. "Growing up it was Phillip Schofield and Edd the Duck. And I've always liked the old school stuff, the variety shows. People like Ken Dodd, and Laurel and Hardy." 

As for the future?

"We'd love to get it on TV next. That would be absolutely amazing. You can go anywhere you like with a show when it's on TV."

Tick Tock Time Machine: Andy Day & Mike James will be at Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot on Saturday, February 23

andyandmike.com