Interview: Paul McCaffrey, I Thought I’d Have Grown Out Of This By Now

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Paul McCaffrey is a stand up comedian with an abundance of live circuit experience, having performed all over the UK. He has also appeared on TV as one of the Impractical Jokers on BBC3, and performed the stand up spot on Russell Howard’s Good News. MoodyComedy spoke to Paul about his upcoming UK tour, I Thought I’d Have Grown Out Of This By Now.

© Brian Ritchie

Hey Paul, how are you?

I’m very well thank you. Just back off Holiday and ready to take on 2019. Really excited for my first tour!

What is the premise of your new show, I Thought I’d Have Grown Out Of This By Now?

It’s essentially a mix of my favourite bits from my Edinburgh shows to date as it’s my first ever tour, a ‘best of’ I guess. The majority of the show will be from a show I did in 2012 called ‘Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Belly Laughs’ which was about some friends and I going to a festival 20 years on from our first ever festival when we were older (too old) and wiser (not wise enough to realise this was a bad idea).

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced while crafting this latest show?

I guess what material to use and what to leave out. I’m very lucky to be in a position where I have more material than I need but it’s my first tour so I want it to be as good as possible.

Do you find you have a typical audience member or is your audience very diverse?

We’ll see, but I think my act is pretty accessible and I’d like to think anyone would enjoy it.

How do you tend to find your Cardiff audiences? Are you looking forward to playing our Glee Club in March?

I’ve always loved playing at the Glee Club on the weekend shows, it’s one of the best clubs in the country. I was at the Motorpoint Arena in November supporting Kevin Bridges and it was absolutely amazing. The last time I’d been in there was to watch Liam Gallagher so to get to perform on that stage myself was pretty cool. My mum is also Welsh so I definitely have a lot of love for Wales. I used to spend my summer holidays in Crickhowell as a kid and I have very fond memories of those times.

What would you like people to take away from your show; what do you want them to particularly remember?

I’d just like them to have a great evening really, nothing more than that, lots of big laughs and hopefully start to build and audience that will want to come out and see me again and again. I’ve spent a good few years headlining the various pubs and clubs on the circuit and supporting some of the biggest acts in the UK (Sean Lock, Lee Mack, Kevin Bridges) and would now like to step up a level and become a touring act myself.

What are your hopes for the next twelve months?

Just to keep improving as a comic and to hopefully get some more opportunities on TV. I would love to do Live at the Apollo and The Royal Variety Show particularly. Hopefully if I keep working and making audiences laugh, that will come. I’m heading up to the Edinburgh Festival again this year. I’m looking forward to that and I have an exciting radio project which is about to start which should be announced very soon.

BOOK TICKETS FOR PAUL MCCAFFREY’S TOUR HERE

Interview: George Lewis, A Man, A Plan, A Girl With Fake Tan

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George Lewis is about to take his latest show, A Man, A Plan, A Girl With Fake Tan, on tour around the UK, after a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe. MoodyComedy had a chat with George about his current hopes and fears…

© Richard Wood

Hey George, how did your 2018 Edinburgh run go? What was the highest point (other than Arthur’s Seat of course)?

Someone recognised me in the street and asked for an autograph. Turned out to be a case of mistaken identity in the end, but it was too late, I’d already taken my permanent marker to her kid.

Do you have any worries about taking your show A Man, A Plan, A Girl With Fake Tan on tour?

My wife’s nana is coming. I worry she won’t know how to behave at a gig and half way through will shout out something supportive. But I won’t be able to control my comic instincts. I’ll come back with an absolute zinger, completely humiliating her.

How has the content or structure of the show developed since your first performance of it?

On the 5th show, I forgot a bit so put it in later and it made the show much better. It was at that moment that I realised everything in life is down to chance and there’s no point planning anything. So I immediately went out and spent the house deposit I’d been saving for 10 years.

What, or who, would be your ideal audience?

Probably a gang of dogs. Then I could just throw some biscuits at them and take the hour off. They would leave very happy and I could go and get a massage or something.

How do you like to describe your comedy style? How has it changed since you first began performing?

I like to say I’m a very sexual performer.  I find that brings in a good audience. Perverts generally have loud laughs.

You’ve had a lot of experience performing in stand up competitions, what has this taught you about performing comedy?

It has taught me that there are so many amazing comedians out there, many of whom are not only talented, but lovely, kind people. And I intend to step on each and every one of them on my way to the top.

Where would you like to see yourself in a year’s time?

The thing that is keeping me up at night at the moment is the size of my baby. He’s massive. I worry that, if he keeps growing at this rate, a year from now he will be twice the size of me, but without the intellectual maturity to know he can’t just squeeze my face whenever he likes. At his current size, his face-squeezing is quite cute, even though it hurts a little bit. But a baby the size of a bear squeezing your face with all its power would result in serious harm. So, a year from now, I just pray that my wife and I are safe.

BOOK TICKETS FOR GEORGE LEWIS’ TOUR HERE

2018’s Contribution to TV Comedy

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2018 was a solid year for British comedy on television. We had a deluge of excellent new sitcom series, particularly those with teenage protagonists, from the Northern Irish school kids of Derry Girls to Conor and Jock of The Young Offenders and Gloucestershire cousins Kerry and Kurtan in This Country. Dark and surreal comedy has also been thriving, with the return of Inside No. 9 and Flowers, and also Vic and Bob’s Big Night Out. This article will explore 2018’s TV comedy highlights (let’s just forget about that The Inbetweeners reunion, shall we?)

The Young Offenders © BBC

The fourth series of Inside No. 9, which broadcast at the start of January, certainly lived up to past instalments. The anthology series (created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton) dabbled in Shakespearean comedy, dark and twisted mystery and heart-breaking trips down memory lane. On Halloween, a special ‘live’ episode aired, which was a half hour of comedy that certainly divided its viewers (that is, those who didn’t accidentally tune out before the end…).

Inside No 9 © BBC

Another stand-out programme that no doubt every fan of dark comedy has watched this year is The End of the F****** World, which originally aired on Channel 4 in 2017 but was released on Netflix in January 2018. With short twenty-minute episodes, vibrant characters and unexpected plot developments, this series is a punchy rollercoaster unlike anything else. With a new series expected later this year, this is certainly not the last we will hear from murderous teens James and Alyssa.

This Country © BBC

February saw the return of This Country; one of the greatest new comedies of recent years. This mockumentary series about the lives of teenagers in rural areas has plenty unbearable moments of awkwardness that rival Ricky Gervais’ The Office. But the message is a rather sad one; these teenagers are limited in opportunity and experience. But Kerry and Kurtan (played by siblings, and writers of the show, Daisy May and Charlie Cooper) are, unsurprisingly, the stars of the show. Their childishness, pettiness and naivety is what makes This Country a stand out. The dialogue is always unexpected, which brings the hilarity, but all the while the message behind the humour really packs a punch.

Flowers © Channel 4/ Kudos Productions

Flowers is a truly beautiful tragic comedy. it picks up on family rifts, personal anxieties and implications brought about by mental health issues, alluding to them incredibly subtly in the characters’ actions and words. Series two, which aired in June, showed each character’s gradual demise to be looming ever nearer, often making for an uncomfortable watch (especially when our concern changes focus and hones in on Shun, who is struggling to come to terms with the loneliness he faces in this strange, foreign place). Flowers features stunning comic performances from Olivia Colman, Julian Barratt and Will Sharpe (who also writes and directs).

Gone Fishing © BBC

In July, Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse brought us the hilarious and wholesome Gone Fishing; a documentary series for BBC2 about the beauty of natural wildlife and the importance of looking after our health. The two legendary comics (both now bordering on 60) have had their fair share of health scares in recent years, with both having experienced major heart problems that gave them a bit of a re-awakening. Mortimer and Whitehouse are clearly great friends and their shared humour makes this programme a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Vic and Bob’s Big Night Out © BBC

And who could miss the return of Vic and Bob in Vic and Bob’s Big Night Out at Christmas? This revamp of Reeve’s old show format is exactly what we would expect from the absurd duo, with the addition of some up-to-date satirical references (featuring the likes of Piers Morgan and Donald Trump), as well as a visit from George Ezra. But some old favourites are back, including Graham Lister, The Man With The Stick and The Stotts.

So now that we’re comfortably into the flow of a new year, we can really start to look forward to what’s to come in terms of comedy on our TV sets (or laptops, or smartphones, or tablets, or microwaves). In 2019 we will be treated to new instalments of Inside No. 9, The End of the F****** World, This Country and Gone Fishing. Other returning programmes include a final series of Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan’s Catastrophe as well as a TV series of vampire mockumentary film What We Do in the Shadows. But for now, perhaps a re-watch of some of the programmes above from 2018 will help fight the January blues.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE SPROUT

December Comedian of the Month #54, Liam Williams

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Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

Leeds comic Liam Williams has an acerbic demeanour; a comic voice that the ear can’t help but listen to. He’s a comedian who demands some kind of response from every listener, but not in a grandiose or loud way. He is a relatively quiet speaker, calculating and calm, and something about him is rather captivating.

Liam Williams

In 2014, Williams created a series of Comedy Blaps for Channel 4 which are still available on YouTube and All 4. This is a series of 3 short videos (around 4 mins each) which explore themes of ‘Things’ ‘Monotony’ and ‘Home’. Other creators of these comedy blaps include Rose Matafeo, Tez Ilyas and Sam Simmons.

These comedy shorts really showcase Williams’ writing skill. The narratives have unexpected twists, and the dialogue is sarcastic yet poetic, making an almost uncomfortable watch. And similarly, Williams’ BBC Radio 4 series Ladhood has the comic’s trademark aptitude for captivating description, teamed with his unmistakable deep, rumbling vocal delivery.

For more information, follow Liam Williams on Twitter, or visit his website.

COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

The Adam Buxton Podcast

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The story of Adam Buxton’s podcast begins with his old friend Louis Theroux. The first episode features a lengthy conversation between the pair about holiday buffet etiquette (with Louis being strongly against Adam’s habit of taking extras from the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet to feed his family at lunchtime). This is somewhat the epitome of The Adam Buxton Podcast: Buxton sitting down with various friends (most of whom have a background in comedy, music or film) and just allowing the chat to meander wherever it does. And with someone like Buxton at the helm, having dipped his toes in some of the best quality comedy waters, from The IT Crowd, to Hot Fuzz, to Never Mind the Buzzcocks, the laughter comes frequently, and often from the silliest of things.

Beginning in September 2015, there have been over 80 episodes to date, and guests have included Simon Pegg, Romesh Ranganathan, Caitlin Moran and Michael Palin. Joe Cornish (from The Adam and Joe Show and also writer of Attack the Block) has even popped up a few times, to reminisce about their Radio 6 Music days and often just to have a general catch up. But the interviews with Theroux are amongst my favourites. The pair share a surprisingly similar sense of humour, so we get to see a different side to the typically serious and brooding journalist and presenter.

© Matt Crockett

There’s something intentionally rustic and homemade about the whole production of the podcast. This is surely partly down to the simplicity of the conversation format, but also because Adam records the opening and closing segments while out walking his dog, Rosie (the ‘Hairy Bullet’) in the East Anglian countryside.

Anyone who knows Buxton, perhaps those who have been to see one of his BUG shows, will know that he has rather musical bones. With a remarkable ability to construct and perform funny, ludicrous songs in an impressively short space of time, it’s no wonder that Buxton’s jingles feature quite heavily throughout the podcasts. ‘Ramble Chat’ and ‘Like and Subscribe’ are amongst the core jingles featured in each episode, which certainly break up the ‘ramble chat’ a little. And the songs, just like the actual conversations, never take themselves too seriously, which makes for a truly unpretentious podcast that is a delight to listen to.

The latest series of The Adam Buxton Podcast has just come to an end, featuring interviews with Desiree Burch and Roisin Conaty, and you can listen to all previous episodes here.

Podcast Review: My Dad Wrote A Porno, Series 4

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Jamie Morton, Alice Levine and James Cooper have been recording the My Dad Wrote A Porno podcast since 2015, where listeners were first introduced to the legendary pots and pans saleswoman Belinda Blumenthal. A remarkably put together Morton narrates each chapter of the erotic novel written by his dad (yes, his dad), writing under the pen-name Rocky Flinstone. The team have been packing out huge venues for their lives shows, including Sydney’s Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall.

The plot is winding and fast-paced, and it often seems as though the writer himself has no clue where these events will lead. And this is, apparently, frequently the case. With an inappropriate use of adjectives and a post-modern take on syntax and grammar, hearing the trio try to make sense of Belinda’s escapades is highly entertaining. The sexual encounters are disgustingly graphic and are teamed with the most cringeworthy, stunted dialogue (note, ‘Hi I’m Kristina, and here’s my ass!’). It’s ridiculous moments such as these which make Belinda Blinked so remarkable.

Jamie Morton, Alice Levine and James Cooper © My Dad Wrote a Porno

Belinda Blinked is packed with surprises, surreal characters and images the listener would rather forget. And the three friends only add to the hilarity with their frustrated outbursts, uncontrolled laughter and skilled impressions. Soon enough, the listener can’t help but become immunised to the smut. And this is because what we are listening to isn’t sex. It’s power play, networking and a cervix grab here and there. My Dad Wrote A Porno celebrates the ridiculousness of Rocky Flinstone and his vibrant characters, and listening to it is truly joyous.

Have a listen if you want to find out who the special one is… the drama certainly doesn’t disappoint. And Monday 17th December also saw the release of the third Christmas Porno. All information about My Dad Wrote a Porno can be found on their website.

Interview: Jarlath Regan, Men Behaving Better Podcast

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Jarlath Regan began his Men Behaving Better podcast in July this year, and in this short time he has interviewed a variety of interesting people, discussing subjects such as the #MeToo movement, consent and the responsibility men have to help combat inequality in our day to day lives.

MoodyComedy had a chat with Jarlath about his podcasting experiences

Talk us through your experience with podcasting over the years.

Like most I first downloaded The Ricky Gervais Show – that really opened my eyes to the format. After that I became mildly obsessed with long form interview pods. I then created my own, An Irishman Abroad, and fell in love with the form and the space it provides both guest and host. Men Behaving Better grew out of that show because we had the space and time to explain the complicated thoughts everyone was having in relation to male and female behaviour.

Do you ever receive any backlash regarding the angle that Men Behaving Better takes?

Yes. Mainly from old men, angry men or people who haven’t listened yet. The show takes its time to have a nuanced conversation on tricky, delicate things like calling out your Dad or brother on their language, why #MeToo fatigue is a thing or can we enjoy the art of fallen men. The knee jerk response is to shout back at those questions but that’s really the opposite of what the show is.

Jarlath Regan

What attitudes do you want to challenge with this podcast?

There’s one that really annoys people: Some men don’t need to change. I like challenging that because it seems so obvious that that thought is driven by a massive blind spot in your perception of the world, your impact upon it and the supposed guilt involved in all of this. I’ve always been into self-improvement. Some people simply hate that notion. I like to challenge that and broaden it out as the season progresses.

Is talking about the topic of sexism and discrimination easy for you to make funny, or do you and your guests ever find it tiresome?

It’s all about your purpose for me. Are you punching up or down? And why? You can make anything funny but first we need to talk about what’s not funny in all of this. What’s absurd about all of this – that’s closer to funny. There’s funny available at every turn but it’s how you get there and why you get there that counts. It’s only tiring if you’re not interested.

How do you choose which guests you have on the show?

For season one I wanted comics I respect, activists with passion, journalists who have moved me and artists I know have a new or interesting take on the issues. That can be the human rights lawyer Simone George or Sara Pascoe, the actor Mark O’Halloran or Brett Goldstien. Balance is crucial so we never get too one-note in the discussion – it’s been challenging and fun every step of the way.

Who would you like to have as a guest?

Where do I start? Jo Brand, JK Rowling, Madonna, Cher, OJ Simpson, Tiger Woods. I mean this subject would make for some interesting chats with pretty much anyone in the public eye right now and that is the plan for next season.

How do you think we can each make a change within society?

I’d say listening. It’s a rare thing. Hearing someone out. Listening to the fullness of what they have to say and why they’re saying it. People are way more likely to listen to you if you listen to them. Also, maybe have a second referendum on Brexit.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MEN BEHAVING BETTER HERE

November Comedian of the Month #53, Ignacio Lopez

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Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

Ignacio Lopez is a Spanish stand-up comic and MC currently based in Cardiff. MoodyComedy saw him acting as MC at Buffalo Comedy’s Christmas showcase, and he was undeniably the linchpin of the whole affair.

Lopez is a very playful comic who isn’t afraid to make brutal asides about members of the audience. He doesn’t even try to cover them with a fake gasp or a laugh or some kind of appeasement. He’s pretty reckless with it, but it is this that gives him his charm. Ignacio is so endearing that his audiences feel obliged to give him a free pass; we don’t care if he rips us apart on stage, because he’s bloody funny with it.

Ignacio Lopez

And paired with this affable demeanour, Ignacio has a distinguished ability to generate relevant anecdotes for his current audience, seemingly having something interesting to say about any topic or situation. This flexibility will stand him in good stead and no doubt he’ll be making an even bigger impression on the club circuit in years to come.

For more information, follow Ignacio Lopez on Twitter, or visit his website.

COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

October Comedian of the Month #52, Athena Kugblenu

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Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

Athena Kugblenu is an effortless performer who is incredibly easy to listen to. She expertly blends topics of varying significance, blurring the line between political debate and more light-hearted social topics. In doing this, Athena is allowing political discussion to become the norm within her comedy; she makes it accessible, understandable and less worrying.

© Michael de Leon

Kugblenu is centred in herself and confident in front of a crowd, meaning that the laughs come easily. Often exploring themes involving race and identity, Athena champions her African-Indian heritage, whilst also considering wider social areas such as racism and democracy. She is tackling big, big topics here, but this comic brings a kind of peace with her on stage, meaning that audiences feel comfortable under her care.

Eloquent, perceptive and laid-back, Athena Kugblenu is a comedian who has fantastic potential. Expect to see a lot more from this intelligent comic.

For more information, follow Athena Kugblenu on Twitter, or visit her website.

COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

Interview: Ali Cook, Principles of Deception

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Ali Cook is a magician, illusionist, comedian and actor. He has often supported fellow stand up comics’ shows, as well as appearing on BBC’s Now You See It and CBBC’s The Slammer, to name just a couple of shows. Cook is embarking on a tour of his latest show Principles of Deception throughout November. MoodyComedy had a chat with him about how things are going.

Hi Ali, how has the comedy world been treating to you recently?

Pretty good. I’ve done two tours in the last year and very happy to say I’m starring alongside Jay Pharoah and Katherine Parkinson in the new political satire movie “How To Fake A War” directed by Rudolph Herzog.

What draws you to the art of illusion? 

A lack of social skills at a young age.

How do you marry magic and stand-up comedy together?

Basically I do as much stand up as possible and when I begin to die, I do a trick… It’s a simple formula.

© Ali Cook

Have you ever had any major on stage disasters? 

I was once trapped in a Houdini style water tank live on stage, which is a bad place to be when you’ve forgotten your keys.

Do you find it hard to create a full show from an abundance of shorter tricks and illusions?

It is hard. The average effect is over in a matter of seconds. Things don’t disappear slowly. This is great for TV but live you really have to find a good framing for the effect. Each trick is like a short scene.

What would your ideal audience be like?

I’m constantly amazed at how broad my audience appears to be and I’m always trying to define it. Perhaps the most telling: I was once doing an Edinburgh preview in Leicester before Sarah Millican to a room full of her fans – basically women in their thirties up and it was the best show I’ve ever done.

On tour though it seems to be half a comedy crowd and half families with a teenager in tow.

What can people expect from your latest show Principles of Deception?

It’s based on my favourite magic book of the same title written by Arthur Buckley in 1948. It was the first book to categorise every style of deception there is. That’s what we do. We do every type and style of effect there is from levitation to autosuggestion and I go hunting for rarely seen mysteries that no one has seen before.

 BUY TICKETS TO SEE ALI COOK: PRINCIPLES OF DECEPTION ON TOUR