In this podcast I ask the big questions, What is comedy? Who is it, and why is it? To help me I’ve enlisted the help of comedians, performers, promoters, and fans like myself, to discuss what comedy means to them, and to sum all their experience up in a nutshell. Please remember to like, subscribe, rate, review and share. Thank you!
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Jamie Allerton who talked about creating something good, playing with self-loathing, being a dickhead and when German expressionism isn't German expressionism.
I've enjoyed seeing Jamie as both an act and as an MC for the last few years at Fulham Comedy Club, Vauxhall Comedy Club, and various other London locations. I'm always loathe to commit to a favourite comedian but I would definitely rate Jamie as one of the best MCs I've seen and it's been great to see him develop from spots to last summer's split bill at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to his current work in progress, with which he will make his solo hour debut at this year's Edinburgh Festival.
He is also a lot of fun to be around, sharing my passions for live comedy, roast dinners, and social drinking. My first day in Edinburgh 2022 was in his company among others, and it was an introduction to my week that I wish I could remember, so that I could say I will never forget it.
Instagram @allertonjamie
Twitter @JayAllerton
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Michelle Shaughnessy who talked about too high expectations, opening up to audiences, and knowing your worth.
I was aware of Michelle as a comedian before she came to the UK in March of 2022, and had heard her 2020 album 'Botoxic' on Spotify. I was delighted to be able to see her 2023 work in progress show at the Leicester Comedy Festival, which was dominated by the audience-interactive style favoured by comedians like Trevor Lock and Russell Hicks.
Michelle is a gifted comic with a naturally disarming manner that easily ingratiates her with her audience. She has a curiosity about people that makes her as confident in the conversation as in her material, and an earnestness that makes her relatable and endearing. She is also a wonderful person to talk to.
Instagram @michellesfunny
Twitter @michellesfunny
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Sara Palomarr who talked about the mystery of greeting cards, the power of a duo and not being Buster Keaton.
Sara is another comedian I happened upon during the pandemic lockdowns. Their videos online, both solo and with their Daft Duo partner Angela Legg intrigued me and when I saw that the Daft Duo would be performing at The 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I decided to check them out.
When I went to the show as part of the Free Festival, it was a slow day and sadly I was the only one in the audience. Sara and Angela decided they would do the show anyway and I really enjoyed the performance which was a mixture of stand-up, song, dance, clowning, and slapstick. It was very energetic and lots of fun. When the show was over I offered some money (as it was the Free Festival) and they agreed a selfie of the three of us would be enough. It was a sweet way to end what had been a delightful hour, and I was very happy to see how well the show was subsequently reviewed.
Sara continues to perform as a stand-up in Scotland and I'm sure will go from strength to strength as their career develops and grows.
Instagram @Sara.Palomarr
Twitter @SaraPalomarr_
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Sunday May 14, 2023
Sunday May 14, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Hajar J. Woodland who talked about writing a Christmas song for the Spice Girls, no thin jokes, confidence in religion and nice tits.
I was delighted to finally meet Hajar, albeit briefly, at her inaugural comedy night at the Cellar Magnifique in Woking. I like to support/check out new comedy clubs and venues and I knew of Hajar a little from the circuit. It was a great night of comedy and a real success.
Hajar is a fine up-and-coming comedian with a lot to say and I for one look forward to hearing her put a voice to the great deal of subjects she clearly has in reserve. She's a generous and driven individual with an obvious passion for her work in all it's diverse mediums, but I know her as a comedian, and I'm glad to know her.
Instagram @HajarJWoodland
Twitter @HajarJWoodland
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
In this episode I spoke with creator and Director of the Leicester Comedy Festival Geoff Rowe, who talked about playing the piano badly, the Tony Slattery next door, and a lifetime contribution.
The annual Leicester Comedy Festival is the largest comedy festival in Europe and the longest running in Britain. Within it's umbrella it encompasses the UK Kids' Comedy Festival, the UK Pun Championship, the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award, the Silver Stand-up for over-55s, lectures, interviews and more.
I volunteer at the festival each year and its always a highlight in my calendar not least because of my love of comedy - where else would I be, seriously? - but also the city and its people are welcoming and provide a wonderful atmosphere for comedy. It's been my pleasure to come to know some of the people involved in the festival in my own small way, and I'm the richer for it. Plus, you know, comedy.
Instagram @Geoff_RoweBEM
Twitter @ Geoff_Rowe
Leicester Comedy Festival website
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Aideen McQueen, who talked about Seanchaí, alcoholism, a different generation of feminism and getting Mr O'Hanlon an apple.
I've been fortunate to see Aideen's 2022 show and 2023 show "Sugar Baby", as well as Best of Irish mixed bills.
Aideen splits her time between the UK and Ireland, performing in both English and Irish. She's a vibrant and energetic comedian, regularly MCing at the Craic Den Comedy Club and the International in Dublin, as well as performing all around the UK with her sassy, sexy and very funny brand of comedy.
Instagram @AideenMcQueen
Twitter @AideenMcQueen
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Stella Graham, who talked about comedy in New Zealand, wasting an hour, hiding at the back, and ringing Highways England.
Stella has been going for some time now and is a superbly accomplished comedian. Although familiar with Stella's work here and there, the first time I saw a full show was "Undercurrent" as part of 2021's Leicester Comedy Festival which was entirely online for obvious reasons. Fortunately at 2022's Leicester, I was able to see Stella in person performing "Porcupine". At a recent mixed bill in Kingston-upon-Thames, I chatted with Stella for about half an hour about comedy in general and she revealed a little of her inner nerd's love of comedy.
She's a wonderful writer and performer, with a huge weight of comic talent, performing on TV, radio and stage all over the world. As The Skinny once put it "If you're a TV executive, drop what you're doing and go see her now".
Instagram @StellaGraham
Twitter @StellaGraham
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Kate Martin, who talked about women in comedy, talking to the crowd, and trying to have a normal life.
Kate Martin is one of those comedians I first encountered through my laptop screen during the pandemic lockdowns. It's not always easy to appreciate the talent of a comic confined in such a way, but I knew I liked her immediately. She has an easy-going, earthy style no doubt enhanced by her no-nonsense northern tone, and a warmth of character and a ready wit that is captivating.
My most enduring memory of the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe was spending my last evening in the company of some wonderful comics including Kate. Following her marvellous appearance on the Comedy Arcade, she decided it would be fun to peer over my camera while I was attempting to take a selfie with some comedians, and so it was, as the laughter in the photo can attest. After this, she and I and a group of cherished comedians went for, what for me was the final drink of the festival, and an evening in such good company was the cherry on my festival cake.
Instagram @ThatKateMartin
Twitter @ThatKateMartin
The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd
Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell