MoodyComedy speaks to Robin Morgan about his plans to tour his latest show, What A Man, What A Man, What A Man, What A Mighty Good Man (Say It Again Now), across the UK.
Hi Robin, how is 2020 treating you so far?
Well, thank you! I’m not doing dry January so having a wonderful time.
How did the arc of your new show, What A Man, emerge?
I wanted to write a show about my Dad and my son, and about masculinity in general. When my wife’s maternity leave finished, I took over looking after my son during the days, and found it hilarious how much praise I got for that fact, compared to how much my wife did. The double standards are mad and a real theme of the show.
How did you find the reception of the show at 2019’s Edinburgh Fringe?
I had lovely shows. I work really hard up there to make sure the room was full, and luckily that happened in 2019. The subject matter seemed to resonate too – my favourite moment was a real group of laddy lads who said they liked it. It’s those kind of people I thought would hate it, so that was a nice moment.
How do you feel about touring the country with this new show?
I’m excited to do the show again but shitting myself that it won’t be busy. I don’t have a huge amount of profile so I’m relying mainly on word-of-mouth and people’s lack of plans that evening. I’m so proud of the show – it’s the best thing I’ve written, and fingers crossed for some full rooms.
What motivates you as a performer?
It used to be just the bug to perform, to have fun on stage. But then a few years ago I really think I found my voice (WHAT A WANKY THING TO SAY) and I started talking about subjects that I care about. And this show is a perfect example of that.
Do you prefer to write before getting on stage, or work stuff through in front of a live audience?
Nowadays I like working stuff through with an audience. I’ll have bullet points and ideas but I wrote a lot of this show whilst on stage in preview form. I’m getting better at writing on stage, and already working up a new show for the one after What A Man.
Why should people buy a ticket to see What A Man, What A Man, What A Man, What A Mighty Good Man (Say It Again Now) on tour?
It’s got the most jokes I’ve ever put into a show. It’s about a topic that I think is important to talk about. And a lovely emotional ending. I had people crying at the end of the show (happy tears, don’t worry). Plus it’s got one of the muckiest jokes I’ve ever written. What’s not to like?
