Comedians

GriefCast Interview: Cariad Lloyd

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Cariad Lloyd is a comedy writer and performer, a part of comedy sketch group Austentatious and also creator of the GriefCast podcast. GriefCast has been running since 2016, with each episode featuring a different comic who, like Cariad, has lost someone close to them, whether that be recently or a long time ago. But you don’t have to be grieving to appreciate these heartfelt chats and the goodwill behind them. GriefCast gives a fascinating insight as well as perhaps a bit of comfort for those going through similar situations.

1) Why is GriefCast an important project for you?

My Dad died when I was 15 and I found it very isolating. I felt like no one understood what I was going through. It’s so important to me to make something which allows grievers to not feel alone. To connect with each other and to realise we are all different and united in our grief. I wish I had something like this when I first went through it.

2) Did you have any reservations before starting the GriefCast podcast?

Yes! I didn’t think anyone would want to listen. Death, grief… these are topics people normally want to avoid. But I wanted to prove that it could be interesting, funny and still remain sensitive to the topic.

3) How, in general, do you think grieving differs in comedians/performers?

I don’t think it does really. I just think comedians know how to use humour to deal with pain, so they might make jokes slightly quicker than a non-comedian in a painful situation. But I think we all do that but perhaps non-comedians might feel more guilty about it, where as a comedian knows it will be a way of coping with the situation – to laugh at it. That’s what we’ve done all our lives.

© Cariad Lloyd

4) Do you benefit from the podcast as much as you feel your guests do (if you think they do!)?

Yes, it’s helped me so much to talk about it. I didn’t for 18 years and I think now I almost can’t stop. I think we both benefit from an honest chat about what grief can do to you. It feels less isolating to remember we all go through it in one way or another.

5) What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned through talking to these people who have lost loved ones?

I don’t know about surprising but it’s certainly comforting to share so many experiences. Every story is so different but so many times I find myself saying, yes me too! And that’s not what I expected would happen.

6) Why should people listen to GriefCast?

If you’ve ever experienced Grief, if you’re ‘in the club’ as we say, it will make you laugh, cry and feel less alone. If you’re not and your life is blissfully death-free, it will make you laugh, cry and understand why sometimes your loved ones feel alone even though they’re not.

7) What’s next for you?

More GriefCasts and more Austentatious and eventually some sleep please.

LISTEN TO GRIEFCAST HERE.

Seven Questions With… Sam Lloyd

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Sam Lloyd

MoodyComedy hasn’t posted a ‘Seven Questions With…’ interview since May 2017, and seeing as 2018 is now well and truly underway it seemed about time for a revival of the feature. Sam Lloyd, a comedian from Newport, has recently begun performing previews of his latest stand up show, Piñata. This comic is fresh-faced, endearing and ambitious, and is always unafraid to approach challenging topics with charismatic ease.
I asked Sam these seven questions to get to know him better…

1) Did you begin performing stand-up comedy during university, or before?

I started stand-up when I was 17, still in school and still kind of stupid. I wanted to start as soon as I had seen my first gig. I instantly thought I WANT TO DO THAT AND STRAIGHT AWAY PLEASE. My first gig was in a foyer of a theatre in Newport and nearly 7 years later, here we are.

2) Are you good under pressure?

I think I’m good under pressure, but I put myself under pressure too much. Whether it’s getting nervous before heading on stage, or leaving university assignments to the last day, I guess I’ve learned to manage pressure. With the show, for example, I put a lot of pressure on myself to not mess it up, but that ended up as a motivator to put the effort in, BUT like I say, I definitely shouldn’t stress out so much. Life’s too short and all that.

3) What made you first want to become a comedian?

I think it’s a combo of always loving making people laugh in school, and seeing my first live gig and realising that it’s nothing like TV. I was on a steady diet of Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week and things like that where everything’s heavily edited and slick and accessible, and so when I went to see Russell Kane back in 2008 and realised that it’s a flexible, hectic thing, I loved it so much more. Eventually seeing more and more live comedy got a mental rhythm going, I started writing stuff, and eventually thought “fuck it, let’s give it a go”.

4) When was the last time you disappointed yourself?

The last time I disappointed myself on a not-major-or-life-turning or upsetting scale was basically whenever I last ordered something crappy on a menu. I think the last time was an Italian restaurant in Cardiff where I ordered off a set deal menu and the food was a bit balls. I’m sure this question deserves a much more poignant, self-reflective answer, but that’s what comes to mind for some reason.

I guess that, because I’m lucky enough to have supportive people around me a lot of the time, I’m not allowed the chance to feel disappointment in myself for too long. So yeah. Pizza compromises is my answer.

5) Where is your favourite place in your hometown?

I think the obvious answer is my home in Rogerstone, particularly since I’m there now and it’s Christmas and everything’s bright and decorated. I’d probably say Le Pub. The owner and staff at this music venue are brilliant, resilient, and always lovely, and they’ve made a real effort for many years to provide a platform for upcoming local comics. Anyone swinging by Newport should pop in for a pint and check out upcoming gigs there. No, this isn’t a sponsored message, I just really like them.

6) What’s the most impressive thing about Sam Lloyd?

My fingers are double-jointed.

I don’t know if there’s much that’s impressive about me to be honest. With everything I do, especially comedy, there are so many people I admire and look up to that my endeavours kind of pale in comparison. It would be lovely to be impressive in the future, and impress people, and have people go “ah yes very impressive Sammy go you here’s a kitkat chunky” but I’m very happy being the one looking up at the moment.

7) Is the comedy industry a rewarding one?

I think people know what they want out of it. Whether it’s making money, making shows, touring, making it to certain stages, I think there are plenty of rewards in stand-up, but it’s about being open to them. It’s easy to be negative because the crappy things that happen feel particularly crap, but when you have a nice gig, or write something you’re proud of, or make it in a certain way, it feels amazing.

For more information, follow Sam Lloyd on Twitter

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH…

Preview: Sam Lloyd, Piñata

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Sam Lloyd is a new name to my ears. The 24-year-old from Newport has been performing stand up since he was in his teens, but it feels as if this is the start of something bigger as he starts to put together the beginnings of his next Edinburgh show, Piñata. He performs the first preview of this at The Little Man Coffee Company in Cardiff, with two supports (Calum Stewart and Emily Broad) and MC James Dunn.

The show is primarily PowerPoint-based, beginning with a fast-paced, laughter-filled rundown of the comedian’s early life, with embarrassing photos and all. But he soon proves that he isn’t over-reliant on the projector as a crutch; Lloyd is more than happy to face his crowd and deliver top quality, inventive material that the small room just laps up.

Structurally, this Piñata clearly has a great deal of promise, despite still being on its first draft. With a big tone shift towards the end of Sam’s stage time, the comic moves seamlessly from anecdotal trivialities to a much broader, more serious topic: that of mental health and depression.

He speaks openly about his experiences of feeling unworthy of help, or perhaps just not even needing it. Although he skirts past the details of his depression somewhat, as Lloyd’s audience we are still made to feel as though this is a genuine sharing of some pretty close to the heart stuff. His message, at this point in the development of the show at least, is that depression can happen to anyone; we all get it wrong sometimes and forget to take proper care of ourselves and talk to other people about how we are feeling.

And this strange notion of presuming that we might not deserve to feel this way, as though we don’t have the right to be depressed, is absurd. I think it’s important that audiences hear this message, and comedy is becoming an increasingly popular means of getting such ideas across. And Sam does it with a seemingly effortless ease. He clearly belongs on that stage.

And with original call backs and a clear narrative arc, Piñata is surely almost Edinburgh-ready even at this early stage, eight months before the festival begins. I hadn’t heard of his name before seeing this preview, but I’m certain that we’ll be hearing a great deal more about Sam Lloyd in the next few years, and not just in Wales, but nationwide.

Flossy and Boo: The Alternativity

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Ever wondered how our good old tradition of Christmas might look to someone who isn’t familiar with planet Earth? Flossy and Boo (played by Anja Conti and Laura Jeffs) are ‘not from round here’, and in light of their lack of knowledge of Christmas, the pair have devised a play, The Alternativity, all about their research into Christmas festivities. The show is that The Other Room, Cardiff, and I attend on behalf of Quench Magazine.

Dressed in flamboyant party dresses, with candyfloss coloured hair and painted on rosy cheeks and freckles, there is a confident energy that comes effortlessly along with Flossy and Boo. We are all given party hats as we enter, with the quirky pair curtseying and guiding us to our seats. It becomes immediately clear that this is going to be a peculiar evening. We kick off the festivities with an alternative alphabet of Christmas and it soon becomes clear that this pair don’t let up in terms of their spirit and vigour. They work very well together; with quite contrasting personalities which brings a lot of the humour.

© Flossy and Boo

Flossy and Boo are musical comedians, and what is charming about this is that they both have a genuine talent both for their instruments (primarily guitars and ukuleles), voice, and song writing. One song consists of Boo reading out humorous Christmas cards sent from bragging friends about what a great year they have all had, accompanied by Flossy on keyboard: a personal favourite.

With help from technician Bethan, the production makes fantastic use of lighting and music. While the original set is alive with twinkling Christmas lights, stockings around the fireplace and tinsel on the walls, the lights are frequently cut and the audience are left in utter blackness. This punctuation of light and dark adds an almost uncomfortable drama. In this way, the audience are kept on the edge of their seats, and despite the light-hearted and often overwhelming excitement of these two, there are some parts that are genuinely sinister. A letter from one of Santa’s elves, played aloud to the room, is particularly eerie, and this is an important tone change from the general make-up of the show, giving it a whole other dimension.

The audience are all quite heavily involved, whether that be through costume, joke reading, sprout holding, or simply holding Flossy’s hand. It’s all-inclusive fun, and I highly recommend you go and get a taste of it for yourself.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FLOSSY AND BOO: THE ALTERNATIVITY AT THE OTHER ROOM (PLAYING THROUGHOUT DECEMBER) HERE.

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Motherland, Series 1

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The saying ‘write about what you know’ is a common tactic used in comedy writing, and this is particularly interesting, I think, when the viewer is not in position to relate to the subject matter. With regard to Motherland, which had a pilot on BBC iPlayer in 2016, and has since been picked up by BBC 2 for a six-part series, I was completely in the dark. I have only ever really appreciated motherhood and childcare from the perspective of the child.

Motherland  is co-written by Graham Linehan, Sharon Horgan, Helen Linehan and Holly Walsh. And the mothers they have written into this microcosmic world are by no means bad mothers. Their lives rotate around providing for their children, whether that be through doing the school run, organising birthday parties, or attending charity fundraisers. But in juggling the life of being a full-time parent and having a life and career for themselves, Julia and Liz (two mothers with completely opposing attitudes) often resort to somewhat unpalatable means. The selfishness is shocking at times, if arguably understandable, and it is this shock that is behind some of the funniest moments in this series. It serves as a relief, too, from the health anxiety nightmare that parenthood seems to be, from plaster-filled swimming pools to vomiting bugs. I’d rather them than me.

© Colin Hutton

Liz, played by the inimitable Diane Morgan, is a favourite for me. She knows all the tricks of the trade with regard to dealing with other mums and their egos of various sizes. She is also relaxed enough to sit back and let her kids make their own fun, standing in stark contrast with Julia (played by Anna Maxwell-Martin) whose attempts to micromanage every aspect of her life leaves her neglecting communicating with her kids somewhat, as her day gets filled up with other things. Both tropes have their upsides and downsides, and Julia certainly provides the cringe factor; always saying the wrong thing, but not necessarily the thing the viewer might be thinking of.

There is a level of detail here, rarely seen in sitcoms these days it seems. It is a rarity that viewers are not treated as slightly stupid; we often have punchlines or scenarios spelt out for us. But the writers of Motherland have been far more clever here, leaving the space for us to think up the more obvious follow-up, and then providing us with a far further-afield, surreal turn of events. This is is comedy writing at its most nuanced.

Watching Motherland feels somewhat like how I imagine it feels to watch a car crash unfold. But this is disaster comedy that never takes the easy route.

CATCH UP WITH MOTHERLAND ON BBC IPLAYER

October Comedian of the Month #42, Celia Pacquola

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© Andy Hollingworth Archive

Celia Pacquola is a stand up comedian and actress with a definite spark to her onstage presence. Pacquola has been big on the Australian comedy scene for quite a while now. She plays Nat in Australian television comedy series Utopia, wrote and starred in Rosehaven alongside Luke McGregor. She has also been making appearances on British television in recent years, including Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Live at the Apollo.

Her comedy spans from relationship woes (‘I’m single but I’m fine!’) to a criticism of jeggings, to an attack on supermodels publishing self-esteem books. But something tells me that regardless of the content of where her material takes, Pacquola will always be an engaging comic. She could talk about floor tiles and I would still engage. Audiences can easily relate to her subject matter, but there is an interesting twist to each narrative, whether that be alluding to wishing severe allergic reactions on ex-partners or a little bit of light-hearted murder humour. Pacquola’s delivery is easy, free-flowing and her attitude light-hearted but still substantial.

A playful attitude towards darker themes paired with a likeable personality that can seemingly win over any crowd, Celia Pacquola is onto a winner.

For more information, follow Celia Pacquola on Twitter or visit her website.

AUGUST COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH: IAIN LEE

Abandoman: Life + Rhymes

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Irish stand-up comedian and improv heavyweight Rob Broderick has been touring the UK with Abandoman’s latest show, Life + Rhymes, this autumn. I attended the show on behalf of Quench Magazine.

Abandoman are a hip-hop improv act, best known for performing impulsive songs based on audience suggestions. But if you’re immediately thinking that this might not be for you (if you’re a person who tends to avoid the front row of a comedy gig, or perhaps you’re just not that keen on hip-hop), then don’t switch off, because I am here to tell you why this show is exactly for people like you.

Energetic and loud, the stream of greetings and cheeky side remarks that fly from Rob’s corner as he settles onto the stage may come across as a little overwhelming at first. And it’s clear that Rob knows this is the case; he knows that not everyone in his audience is necessarily going to know what they’ve got themselves in for. With the atmosphere of the room in mind, Rob dives straight in with some trusty crowd work, bouncing off peoples’ responses and asking interesting and unpredictable questions to keep us on our toes. Crowd work is a whole different skill to performing music or stand-up because it relies heavily on how relaxed and open an audience is, and forces the performer to really engage with the ideas put forward by other people in the room. But Rob’s warm charm makes the task seem effortless, and so Abandoman’s audience at Clwb Ifor Bach is on board straight away.

© Tom Barnes

It’s when the music begins (provided by Sam Wilson on the keyboard) that this show truly picks up a gear. It’s obvious from the woops and cheers that a large portion of the room are already dedicated Abandoman fans, and the rest of us are soon swept up in the frenzied, spontaneous fun as the pair embarks on their first song. Entitled ‘What’s in Your Pocket?’ the pair asks us all to dig out the oddest item we can find in our possession and hold it up in the air. The beat starts and Rob makes his way through the audience, improvising a rap about a conker, hot sauce, a set of teeth, a stethoscope, and a fork (that one was ours… ‘Look at you man, it’s an atrocity. She will fuck you up with lovely cutlery!’). This is a song they’ve been doing for years, and yet every single time, it evolves into something completely unique.

The rest of the songs from this point on are structured around the core premise of the show: the life of Abandoman, from the very beginning. The story Rob spins is silly and far-fetched, yet he draws in audience members as though they were old friends, easily remembering names and facts about each person. Retired day nursery worker John even becomes an integral part of the show.

In a way that’s reminiscent of Jason Byrne (and no, not just because he’s also Irish), Rob has an uncanny ability to conjure up something from absolutely nothing, whilst taking care of his audience and nurturing an exciting, friendly atmosphere.

Having begun the evening saying, ‘This is a show that stars every one of you,’ you could be forgiven for being apprehensive, but, despite some of our fears, there was no feeling of being called out in class when you don’t know the answer. Those who want to join in, or have something funny to share, are free to. It’s almost an open mike night of silly humour, with a good-natured, gentle force driving it. But the show still has structure, and the guys on stage are always in complete control of the audience and the night in general. We are all in the palm of Rob’s hand.

This is incredibly skilled, feel-good stuff, and it comes from a place of gleeful creativity and genuine warmth. What a delight to witness it live.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON QUENCH.

August Comedian of the Month #41, Iain Lee

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Despite beginning his career as a stand up comedian, Iain Lee is best known as a radio and television presenter, and particularly for presenting Late Nights With Iain Lee on Talk Radio between 10pm-1am Monday to Friday each week.

Having been through tough times himself, Iain Lee is a sympathetic ear for those who might need someone to listen. And that’s why a lot of people call in to the show during the early hours of the morning. That said, he can be absolutely brutal; painfully so when he loses his patience with late-night drunk callers who are rude. But his undisguised frustrations are a source of guilty pleasure for many listeners – Lee is sometimes harsh but what he says is truth. And besides, the drunks never seem to mind.

Iain Lee

Iain’s natural funny bones shine through in his hosting. He communicates effortlessly with callers and always puts the other speaker in the limelight, often setting them up to get the laughs, rather than taking them all for himself. Repeat callers serve as callbacks to past conversations and give the show much needed structure. And each three-hour show is conveniently whittled down to a thirty-minute-long podcast for those who aren’t awake during broadcast, making for punchy shows packed full to the brim with original ideas and hilarious conversation.

Iain Lee is inclusive with his humour and his attitude towards listeners. With his sharp tongue, however, Late Nights With Iain Lee does not make for a particularly cushy night in. For conversations that’ll make you laugh out loud and something to fill insomniac nights or if you’re just up late, then look no further than Iain Lee on Talk Radio.

For more information, follow Iain Lee on Twitter and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

MAY COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH: GUZ KHAN

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Will Duggan

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© Duncan Elliott

In his latest Edinburgh show, Perspicuator, Will Duggan sets about singlehandedly solving all of the world’s problems. Duggan will be performing at Just the Tonic at The Mash House throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Seeing all the people in my industry that I normally get to see sporadically throughout the year for a full month. That and tattiedogs. They’re these hotdogs wrapped in hash browns and they are the greatest food stuff on earth.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

My first Edinburgh show was called ‘A Man Gathering Fish’ and was about every decision I had made in my life leading me to be in that room doing that show.

3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?

Yes. Small.

4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?

In 2013 I thought I had rented a room near the Grassmarket and had in fact rented a very small sofa about three miles away from the Grassmarket. Some friends of mine very kindly let me stay on their floor for the month. So yeah, the happy ending is sleeping on a floor for a month.

5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?

When Funz and Gamez (the sort of kids show that I’m in with Phil Ellis, Jim Meehan and Mick Ferry) won a Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2014.

6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?

Far too many great shows to choose from to just pick out one.

7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?

All I want from anything in comedy is to keep getting better.

8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?

You know Bowie’s last album was sort of about how he knew he was going to die? But you only really realised it after the fact. Like that. But less clever and far less popular.

BOOK TICKETS FOR WILL DUGGAN: PERSPICUATOR, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Fish Finger Fridays

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© Guy J Sanders

Fish Finger Fridays are an energetic comedy sketch trio made up of Anna Harris, Ollie Jones-Evans and Rajiv Karia. The group will be performing their free show Fun Time Friends at the Black Market throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Macaroni cheese pies. They’re everywhere and they are delicious, whoever decided to cover cheesy pasta with pastry should be knighted immediately.

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

Last year our debut show was a silly sketch piece about friendship and this year we’re at it again. Turns out there’s a lot of silly sketches you can write about friendship.

3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?

Usually very sexy people. Everyone in our audience is extremely good looking so if I were you, I’d come down and check it out. It would reflect really well on you.

4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?

In 2013 we shared 2 bedrooms with 13 people. It was the first time I slept in a suitcase and I’m pleased to say, it wasn’t my last. Once you go pack, you never go back.

5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far?

I have to say, seeing our poster behind a bin at the Brighton Fringe Festival was a really emotional moment to me. I don’t think anything will top that.

6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year?

We’re really excited to see Jon Pointing’s show ‘Act Natural’. We saw a 30 min work in progress and it was a stupid funny.

7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year?

Hopefully 3-4 inches around my middle. Those macaroni cheese pies won’t eat themselves!

8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?

We’ve signed a deal to do really bad shows at each other’s funerals dramatising our lives. We’re just hoping we don’t die together in a horrific accident, who would entertain the guests?

BOOK TICKETS FOR FISH FINGER FRIDAYS: FUN TIME FRIENDS, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017