Revealing... Hate has a curved blade - it only hurts you

Chris Broadhurst Although Chris has worked in the business/finance world all his adult life, he has also been producing and performing in various shows, for over 30 years.

Chris was the Bermuda Folk Club President during the 80s – and hosted such notables as: Tom Paxton, Ralph McTell, John Sabastian of the Lovin Spoonful, Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul & Mary, Fairport Convention, Canadian folk singer Stan Rogers, and Juno award winner Lynn Miles. He’s produced & recorded over 300 commercial recordings for the radio. You’ve heard them – you just don’t realize.

He’s also recorded a couple of his own CDs. He played music gigs all over Bermuda, as well as in the US, UK, Canada and more. And then there’s a show called Not The Um Um... A theatrical company he formed with five friends in 1984, and co wrote & co produced and performed in a highly successful show run of 25 years (about 200 performances) ending with six sold out nights at The Bermuda Festival in 2009.

Now you might say that’s a hard act to follow. So why has he now created Hoot Night at Daylesford Theatre every third Thursday starting tonight? Chris said: “It’s a chance for people to do their 15 minutes in front of an audience. Many years ago an old friend of mine — Rod Mackenzie — was the person who got me out of the living room and performing in public. I have never forgotten this and if I can return the favour and do the same for just one person, then my mission is complete”. Interview by the Bermuda Sun’s Sarah Lagan.

Your earliest memory?

A snowball fight with my brother. I think I was about three or four.

What were you like in school? 

I’m pretty sure I was ADD (Attention Deficit Disporder) since the teachers kept writing, “He needs to pay more attention” on my reports.

If you were given a million dollars tomorrow what would you do with it? 

Pay off my remaining loan, buy one more guitar, save the rest for a rainy day.

Who is your hero/heroine? 

My older brother Patrick and my daughter Carly — who between them taught me everything in life worth knowing.

Human trait you value most in others? 

Honesty, good and fair judgement. 

Which cartoon character would you be? 

Yogi Bear had it right. He made fun of the guy in charge, and ate other people’s lunch.

Do you believe in fate?

Definitely 100 per cent. 

There are things that have happened to me that were beyond chance.

Your greatest fear?

Sharks! I have an unreasonable fear of sharks. 

Most embarrassing moment? 

Finding out that I accidentally turned down the opportunity to open for one of my favourite artists, Dan Fogelberg. 

Your ultimate ambition?

To write a song that becomes a major hit. 

Your most unappealing habit? 

Constantly quoting song lyrics, as well as Monty Python quotations.

Describe yourself in three words. 

Guitars, motorcycles, chocolate.

Which human trait do you dislike the most? 

Hate has a curved blade. The only person it harms is yourself.

Best party you’ve ever been to? 

My surprise birthday party at Clayhouse Inn, where the entire audience knew, but somehow I didn’t.

Anyone you’d like to say ‘sorry’ to? 

I’ve never been afraid to say sorry, but I’m aware there have been a couple of times when I’ve not done enough to make things right.  

Worst job you’ve ever done? 

Painting a car with my friend James when we were teenagers. 

Biggest regret? 

Not getting to know my Father better. I was 19 when he left this world — and he was far too young. 

Closest you’ve ever come to death? 

I severed an artery in my arm at age 16. I lost a dangerous amount of blood on the way to KEMH.

Your desert island song?

The Reach, a song about the coast of Maine on a CD called Innocent Age.

What animal would you be and why? 

A bird. I’ve always wanted to fly.

What do you do if you can’t sleep? 

Do mathematical calculations in my head.

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

Back to the start. I’d do it all again in a minute!

Your most memorable dream? 

My father came to me in a dream about two years ago and gave me encouragement — when I really needed it.

Most unpleasant exchange you’ve have had with a person? 

Ha, ha, you’re trying to get me in trouble aren’t you?

Best advice you have ever taken?

Don’t change to make someone happy, unless that someone is you.

What do you most dislike about your appearance? 

My scowl when I’m in a bad mood. Somehow can’t hide it.

What do you like best about your appearance? 

Being fairly tall, and having the good posture my parents taught me.

Nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?  

I was written up in the newspaper as having perfect pitch.

Define romantic love. 

A feeling of being complete. Of not wanting anyone or anything else. The world could stop and it wouldn’t matter.

What’s your best joke? 

I do observational comedy. Why make up things when all you have to do is listen? 

I once heard two ladies in the emergency room at KEMH. The first lady: “What’s a coma?” The second lady: “It’s like a long, deep, serious mice”.

Most treasured possession? 

A cedar box my daughter gave me. I hope that it will be hers when she gets it back one day.

A dream location for a home? 

An elevated lot on Hinson’s Island, Paget. On the north bay — looking out to Two Rock and Dockyard. I’m an island freak.

What keeps you up at night? 

Complex mathematical calculations, mostly.

Guilty pleasure? 

There’s a certain British TV show set in a back street in a fictitious town called Weatherfield.


Favourite film? 

Love Actually. The perfect movie from start to finish.

Your proudest achievement? 

Training for, and doing a 150 mile cycle ride at age 50. I plan to do it again at 60.

Most important lesson life has taught you? 

It ain’t over, till it’s over. Get up and do something.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

For things I haven’t done yet.