Jim Sweeney
got involved in performing through the Oval House Arts Centre in London during his last year at school.
An all boys Catholic grammar school. His interest in theatre and improvisation has been kindled by a desire to explore and express the human condition through drama - and also because there were girls in the drama group.
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From those humble beginnings, he has barely sustained an adequate career. Most of his performing life has been spent improvising (or showing off).
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Jim has shown off on a regular basis with his school friend,
Steve Steen. Together they have performed, in various guises, all over Europe.
For most of that time, they called themselves "The Wee Wees", which gives you some idea what the shows were like.
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Jim's on/off affair with TV came to an end many years ago. They parted soon after his appearances in the improvisation show, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" They remain good friends. Indeed, Jim has been seeing a lot of TV lately...
Theatre credits include appearances at the National Theatre and the RSC at the Swan. Although, as these were both improvisation shows, they probably don't count.
Jim's radio appearances include the utterly wonderful improvised saga on Radio 4.
The Masterson Inheritance
 The cast: Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Caroline Quentin, Lee Simpson and Jim Sweeney. The rumours of the existence of a never heard episode are true. Narrated by Josie, it was long lost until now.
Jim authored and appeared in
"All The Young Dudes" - two series of radio drama on the BBC
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Jim's first play "Danny's Wake" in which he appeared with Steve Steen - won a Fringe First at the 1999 Edinburgh Festival. He also won the Granada Media Comedy Writing Award.
Jim's second play
"Sick Transit" in which he appeared with Steve Steen & Stephen Frost - received rave reviews at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival.
But no awards.
Jim also improvises occasionally with Stephen Frost, Steve Steen, Andy Smart and Richard Vranch.
They may look smart in their suits but don't be fooled. They are nothing more than a bunch of drink ravaged show offs who can't be bothered learning lines so they just turn up and wing it.
Jim is old enough to know better.
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