Jim Tavare

About Jim

Originally from Macclesfield, a young Jim Tavaré moved to London during the mid 80's. Although interested in art and already having played the double bass in a psychobilly band with a member of New Order, Jim didn't really have a career plan in mind. On a whim, he decided to audition for a place at the notoriously elite drama school RADA. He succeeded, and studied acting there (some of his contemporaries include Ralph Fiennes, Alex Kingston, Clive Owen and Joely Richardson). After RADA, a friend suggested he try stand-up comedy. Jim went to the infamous Tunnel Palladium Club to perform a set which went so badly that he was asked to come back to feature in his own segment called ' Get Jim Tavaré off in under 3 minutes'. Ironically this became hugely popular. Eventually Jim decided to incorporate his double bass into the act. The audience loved it, and he never looked back. He soon took a show 'Masterclass' to the Edinburgh Festival. This show was nominated for a Perrier Award. After this he was invited for the first time to perform at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. Here he caught the attention of NBC producers in the USA who wrote an episode of the long running comedy series Wings based around his act. He then entered International Starsearch in the USA and won. He wrote and starred in six short 10 minute films for BBC2 called Jim Tavaré Pictures Presents... They were miniature silent movies where Bassie (his infamous double bass) came to life each week. This was followed by his own comedy sketch series The Jim Tavaré Show. He co-wrote the 13- part series with Ricky Gervais who also starred. Jim has performed three times at The Royal Variety Command Performance. At special request, he performed at HRH Prince Charles private Christmas party. He later appeared in front of Her Majesty The Queen and thirteen Crowned Heads Of State at a Gala held at Highgrove in aid of the King of Greece Birthday. Jim is renowned for his proud title of being Prince Charles' favourite comedian. In 2001 Steve Coogans' production company invited Jim to be part of The Sketch Show team for ITV in the UK. The first series packed with over 30 sketches went on to win a prestigious BAFTA Award. The format of the show was remade in 7 different countries including Germany, Israel, Indonesia and the USA. There followed a major acting role as Tom the Innkeeper in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. In the USA, Jim featured in Season 6 of NBC's Last Comic Standing where he was voted the 4th finalist. This made him the first ever International act to make it through to the final show. He went on to perform a 63 date US national tour with the other 4 finalists. He has since established a film career in the USA.