Joaquín Reyes Performs Celebrate the Joke At The Philharmonic Theater

Joaquín Reyes, a comedian born in Albacete in 1974, brings his acclaimed stand‑up show Celebrate the Joke to the Philharmonic Theater for two performances on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3. A leading figure in the Albacete humor scene since 2001, Reyes is known for his work alongside Ernesto Sevilla and Raúl Cimas in projects like Hora Chanante, and for portraying the computer scientist in Cámara Café, Muchachada Nui, and Museo. The tour’s spirit blends sharp wit with personal stories and a touch of nostalgia for the comedy routines that shaped his career.

– Celebrate the Joke is a stand‑up monologue. What can audiences expect to hear inside the room?

– A candid mix of humor and observations. Reyes explains that the monologue is a format he has long trusted because it gives him space to develop ideas and deliver them with precision.

– Is it similar to the flavor of Manchego cheese?

– The show premiered in January 2020. Like many performers, Reyes faced interruptions and had to adapt. He kept working, often finding fresh energy in the moment, and believes live comedy grows richer when audiences are engaged in the room with him.

– The stage is more like a standing space than a traditional stool, a dynamic the theater environment facilitates. Will the monologue evolve during the performance?

– Reyes finds it appealing to perform for smaller, intimate audiences in casual venues, but he genuinely enjoys the experience of playing in proper theaters as well.

– Does that bring a sense of security?

– He hadn’t given it much thought, though he acknowledges that the pressures of twenty years in the business can add expectations. The truth is that audiences want to see him perform at home, where he feels most himself.

– The show is called Celebrate the Joke. Is the aim to leave the audience with a smile or to provoke deeper reflection as well?

– The title mirrors Reyes’s intention to show appreciation for those who support his work. He hopes the laughter resonates and serves as a moment of gratitude, even as the set gently nods to shared experiences.

– Is the humor effective beyond his hometown of Albacete?

– The reception appears broad. Reyes notes that many audiences across regions connect with his style, and he remains surprised by how widely the humor travels. The comic community from Albacete continues to inspire him, proving the reach of local roots.

– Did anyone from Albacete imagine that their accent could land in Spain’s diverse comedic landscape alongside accents from Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, and Galicia?

– That wasn’t planned. Reyes’s path began in art school, where he studied illustration, and he later embraced storytelling through humor. He never expected to spend so many years on stage, yet the journey unfolded with surprising joy.

– Reyes studied at Cuenca’s Fine Arts program and began his career as a cartoonist. He became a recognizable performer through engaging artwork that translated well into live performance and television.

– How did he end up in show business? A fortunate connection helped open doors at a major studio, and the rest followed. Reyes admits he never anticipated dedicating so much of his life to comedy, but he embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm.

– If given a choice, would he pursue drawing full time, prioritizing the life of an artist over television work?

– He would not hesitate. Reyes would happily leave television to focus on drawing and writing if the chance arose, signaling his enduring love for visual storytelling and creative wordplay.

– He even authored a novel called Rush. Does a creator’s livelihood hinge on constant output, or is talent enough?

– He describes himself as a restless creator, always seeking new ways to express ideas. Quick wit meets curiosity in everything he attempts.

– A lighthearted moment emerges: does he really work like that with his own humor, or is it just a punch line?

– Laughter follows, and the exchange continues with playful banter. The conversation hints that eschatology, or the idea of endings, often fuels artistic inspiration.

– Has Reyes always carried this energy, or did it grow over time?

– He aims to stay within his wheelhouse, avoiding tasks he cannot master. People have trusted him to act, direct, and write, so he keeps exploring different creative moves.

– Does humor run in the family, or is the comedy gene a singular trait?

– He jokes about being the shorter person in the family but acknowledges that his brother has always had a strong sense of humor. Family dinners were filled with jokes, and his father regularly delivered comic moments that sparked laughter, even as a poem about churros sent everyone into fits of giggles.

– What value does humor bring beyond entertainment in the 21st century?

– Laughter acts as a powerful tool for navigating life’s problems, offering relief and connection when it’s most needed.

– Is the humor accessible to all ages?

– Reyes notes that while the humor has a timeless appeal, it may not resonate with the very youngest generations in the same way. His aim is to keep the material fresh and relevant for contemporary audiences.

– Does his work balance classical absurdity with timely cultural references?

– He believes humor evolves with its audience, remaining multi-generational. The focus stays on producing humor that feels immediate and relevant, without clinging to nostalgia.

– Which collaborators shape his current creative landscape?

– Reyes mentions admired peers such as Esperanza Grasia and the younger talents from the Vengamonja and Noguera circles. Each brings a distinct energy to the scene and keeps the collaboration vibrant.

– He has shared stage time with Raúl Cimas, Ernesto Sevilla, Julián López, and Carlos Areces. Do these collaborations push each other forward?

– Definitely. The groups brought different strengths and toggled between playful bets and shared humor. Their exchanges produced many memorable jokes and moments, enriching the dynamic.

– Do their paths still cross often?

– They each pursue their own journeys, yet Reyes and Ernesto Sevilla maintain a close bond, humorously describing their partnership as donkey teammates for life. The close ties keep the humor alive and evolving.

– In a world where many take humor seriously, what keeps this art form vibrant?

– Despite the noise, laughter remains a unifying force. People seek relief from stress, and comedy offers a shared space where worries can be left behind, even if only for a moment.

– Who delivers the sharpest critique of imitation and parody within the industry?

– Even the savviest critics have tough moments. A renowned figure once dismissed parody as the worst thing he had seen, a reminder that strong opinions exist everywhere in the arts.

– Is Reyes more of a performer, a ventriloquist, or something else entirely when he performs? Does he rely on timing or delivery?

– He likens his approach to using a tool to shape the moment, rather than flaunting any single technique. The audience’s engagement remains the focal point, and the goal is to keep the room buzzing with energy.

– Does Reyes see himself primarily as an actor who happens to perform stand‑up, or as a comedian who can act when needed?

– He sees himself first as a comedian who can adapt across roles. With limited formal training, he feels most comfortable describing himself as a performer who uses humor to connect with people.

– Was luck a factor in his path, or did he deliberately pursue originality?

– Luck played a part, but so did a willingness to step outside the expected. Reyes credits the willingness to be original and to take creative chances as a key driver behind his long, varied career.

– Do his children share in the humor at home, or does discipline prevail in family life?

– Laughter fills the home. His children are naturally funny, and their upbringing is filled with joyful moments, even as family life remains grounded and affectionate.