Comedy in a Nutshell

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Hubert Mayr who talked about poor apartment choices, defying the Gong show, the Anglo-German linguistic conundrum and his dark materials. I've seen Hubert perform a number of times over the last few years online and in person and each time he has been uniquely hilarious.  He has a very relaxed style and dark humour which I enjoy enormously, and despit...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Joshua Bethania who talked about getting personal, building up to an hour and not bringing the energy. I've seen Joshua perform a couple of times on mixed bills and he has a subdued demeanour putting all the emphasis on his material, which is delivered in as deadpan a way as you can get. For this, he won the 2022 So You Think You're Funny? competition...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Bronwyn Sweeney who talked about Funny Women, selling oneself and performing for your idol. The now London-based comedian is a citizen of the World, with her comedy informed by an international upbringing and a career in advertising. With a Funny Women final under her belt, her debut hour at this year's Edinburgh Fringe promises to be a smash with Bro...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Dave Chawner who talked about nurturing gratitude, the best Easter ever and Hell on toast. It's difficult to say enough about Dave Chawner, who is not only an excellent stand-up comedian but also a passionate mental health campaigner, whose dedication to the subject has resulted in a TED talk, an award-winning show and a best-selling book. I approache...

In this episode I spoke with sketch and character comedian Kathy Maniura who talked about solo not solo, committing to the bit and the secret. Kathy is a successful performer as half of sketch duo Horseplay and an unsurprising award winner. When I first saw Kathy perform material from her upcoming Edinburgh solo debut I'll admit I was a little taken aback by her alternative take on character comed...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Ian Smith who talked about getting used to excitement, writing to the deadline and caring too much. I've seen Ian perform a number of times in mixed bills - one of the best openers I've seen - and also in previews for his 2022 and 2023 Edinburgh shows. He has a wonderful matter-of-fact style, and uses it to explore themes and emotions to excellent eff...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Philipp Kostelecky who talked about stomach block, different kinds of laughter and not being enough of a lizard. I first saw Philipp in September 2022 on a mixed bill in West London, although I'd been aware of the name for a few years. In his short time on stage he struck me as an energetic performer with a zeal for his craft. I recently saw his 2023...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up and sketch comedian Claire Haus, who talked about not opening a dog shelter, finding the middle ground and rambling as a German. Claire was described by Time Out London as "one of the smartest, funniest sketch comedians" recommending her as one of four comedians to watch in 2022, and her online videos have attracted millions of views. In the last few years I'v...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Lisa May who talked about having a meltdown, finding your voice, starting a comedy night and what the fox says. I met Lisa May in March 2023, when I found out about her comedy night in Surbiton, South-West London. I try to support new nights and new comedians when I can, so when I saw there were ten comedians on the bill, most of whom were new to me,...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Roman Harris who talked about unlikely inspiration, a nice reputation, and 'opening' for Dave Chappelle. I heard about Roman on the circuit and saw that he was performing at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe on a split bill with actress and comedian Thomasin Lockwood, so I decided to check it out. I immediately enjoyed Roman’s enthusiasm and the joy...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Alexandra Haddow who talked about fear of vomiting, turning it flirty, the comedian brain and introducing Dylan Moran. I've seen Alex perform so many times over the last three years both live and online, and been delighted by her performance each time, being both an excellent comedian and one of my favourite MCs. Prolific in her work, she's run comedy...

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 fa...

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 d...

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 circ...

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,...

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 energet...

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 w...

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-goi...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Alex Hylton, who talked about the worst Jongleurs gig, high-fiving your partner, and hanging out with Good Kids at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. Alex Hylton hails from Manchester but has made Leicester his home, and it was here at the 2020 Leicester Comedy Festival that we met. He is an energetic performer and dedicated promoter of the local come...

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Tony Law, who talked about the NFL, the AI and comedy being cyclical. I think I've seen Tony Law perform maybe thirteen times. From the first time I saw a full show - "Absurdity for the Common People" - in 2017, to just recently when I saw "A Now Begin in Again" for the fourth time at this year's Leicester Comedy Festival. Tony Law is not only a wonde...

Live from the Leicester Comedy Festival in it's 30th Anniversary Richard Gill and Mark Duqueno join forces to talk about a few of their experiences at the festival.  Richard Gill Instagram: @R.W.Gill Richard Gill Twitter: @RW_Gill A Rich Comic Life blog The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Fiona Ridgewell, who talked about getting in the bin, not being the most boring, and looking at watches. Instagram @Fiona_Ridgewell The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Victoria Olsina, who talked about comedy in Argentina, boring conferences, LGBT+ comedy and the funniest police report. Instagram @victoria_comedian   Twitter  @vic_comedy   Victoria Olsina webpage Clandestina Comedy website The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Michael Odewale, who talked about taking inspiration, taking your time, and the woman with the powerful grip. Instagram @michaelodewalecomedy Twitter  @MichaelOdewale The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Martin Graham, who talked about shouting at Romesh, imposter syndrome, when the material doesn't fit and racing to the punchline. Instagram @Martinstagraham Twitter  @theMartinGraham Martin Graham webpage The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell Comedy In A Nutshell webpage