Jake Lambert

Quarantine Questions: Jake Lambert

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We’ve hit the 100-day mark of the UK’s coronavirus-induced lockdown; can you believe it? 100 days in and we still need comedy more than ever. But unsurprisingly, it’s still rather difficult to find something that’s actually damn funny right now. MoodyComedy is trying to remedy this.

What is the first thing you plan on doing once the lockdown is fully lifted?

My plan was going to be to go to my parents to see them and see how they are, and to get my Easter Eggs but since they lifted the last restrictions I’ve already done that. So now my plan is getting my haircut (I have it booked for the 4th) and then hopefully once they’ve opened every last thing in the country they’ll consider reopening comedy clubs at some point in the next five years, in which case it will be that. And for those wondering: it was a Cadbury’s Dairy Milk egg, and both my parents are well.

What’s your current lockdown binge watch?

My neighbours (just kidding in case they’re reading this). Succession! It’s been on my list for so long, and it’s absolutely amazing. I am obsessed with it. Which may become evident in the rest of this Q&A.

© Jiksaw

Has anything made you laugh recently?

Oh well funny you should ask! Matthew Macfadyen in Succession. It’s a hilarious performance. He was brilliant in The Quiz, but in Succession he just steals every scene. He would slot straight into Arrested Development.

How are you trying to keep sane at the moment?

I’m staying sane by keeping an eye on my neighbours, not sure what they’re all up to but they’re conspiring against me. I think it has something to do with some of them being aliens and some being secret government agents sent to spy on me. So watching them 24/7 is helping to keep me sane and having no negative impact on me whatsoever.

What thing would you like to draw our attention to right now?

My neighbours! Why do they keep turning lights on in different rooms at different times of the evening? Is it a code? Where do they go when they walk? Are they trying to lure me out of the house so the others can break in and read my diary or install cameras to spy on me? SEND HELP!

That and of course Succession.

THE QUARANTINE QUESTIONS

Jake Lambert: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Jiksaw
Who? Jake Lambert
What? Never Mak The Same Mistak Twice
Where? Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33)
When? 20:15

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

It’s exciting, I always said I was more excited for my second hour than my first as you have to start again. The first hour is a culmination of years of material, but for this one I have had to write much more presently and to theme, and I’m really looking forward to that. Oh and also the fear of just how tired and mad you go over the course of the month… there’s also that.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about learning from mistakes and using that to go forward. I’ve just moved in with my girlfriend and I’ve realised it’s all very serious, and as she’s Australian we have a lot to decide on. Basically she’s from Melbourne which got voted as the best place to live for 7 years in a row, so I feel guilty that she moved to London for me. Oh also we don’t want children which people seem incredibly shocked to hear (especially our daughter).

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I’m trying to be more open and honest, I’ve always struggled with that; last year I tried but some people said I wasn’t open enough about that – (which sort of comes with the territory) so I’m dealing with that both off stage whilst writing it, and on stage whilst talking about it.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

As I’ve gained more experience, written my own show, and also seen other people’s, I’ve learnt/learned? (I should really google that) the difference between a show and just a prolonged set. I am also a little disappointed by how much people seem to want to make people cry and feel more than actually laugh, that’s a real bugbear of mine, it’s become a bit cliché and cheesy. Laughter should always be the main thing you’re making your audience do as a comedian.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Yes, I’ve been very lucky to have been supporting Seann Walsh on his latest tour and the show is phenomenal, he has used all his experience and skills to write a brilliantly personal and honest show – actually please watch mine before his if you can because otherwise it will be quite underwhelming.

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

I’d like to be going into the Edinburgh Festival after a successful year, with a slightly higher profile in comedy so that I can play to more people and so a higher percentage of the audience are already aware of me and my style of comedy before the show. I already have an exciting and different idea for next year’s show so I’m excited for it already.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JAKE LAMBERT: ‘NEVER MAK THE SAME MISTAK TWICE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Jake Lambert: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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Who? Jake Lambert
What? Little Lost Lad
Where? Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33)
When? 18:00

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

Absolutely not (nothing like a bit of confidence early on) but it’s my debut hour and I have no idea what to expect. The Fringe is very much its own beast, during my first ever experience there it took me seven days to figure out how to perform to an Edinburgh crowd, they don’t just want jokes for the sake of jokes, they want context, oh and to know you’ve suffered, luckily for them this year I had my car stolen and then someone shot my cat, so they should have plenty to laugh at. 

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s basically about the first time I found myself living on my own and the ups and downs of that, the ups were feeling like Kevin McCallister, the downside was feeling a little too like him when my house got burgled. I also talk about being an uncle, the fact that I cut my own hair, ghosts, and how to make the perfect cup of tea.

© Aeman @ Jiksaw

What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

The biggest obstacle was knowing which material to put in this show and what to leave for the next one, I mean writing that does really make it sound like I had no obstacle at all, that’s like Bill Gates complaining he doesn’t know what to spend all his money on this year.

Although, up until now I’ve only ever been aiming to make my sets as funny as possible, but to have an hour means I can also try and tell a story and use the medium to talk about exactly what I want to talk about. (I preferred the first part of this answer when I sounded less pretentious).

Who would most enjoy your show?

Me. I’m aware that’s a ridiculous answer, but I have always tried to be the comedian I would most like to see, and to make my show one I would want to see. Of course if I did go and see a comedian and they were doing my show and all my jokes I’d be livid, so maybe not. I realise I’m supposed to be selling tickets, so shall I just put everyone? Yeah I’ll do that; Everyone. 

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

As I’m answering pre-Fringe I don’t know for sure, but I’ll take a punt and say:

Dave Chapelle: Rib Tickler – Non-stop gags and silly wordplay from America’s funny man.

Tim Vine: I Heard It Through The Tim Vine –  an incredibly insightful take on Russia’s influence on the 2016 US election.

Dylan Moran: Dy doo ran ran ran, Dy doo Moran – An hour of non-stop puns and wordplay (Although I’ve heard it’s currently running at 45 mins).

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

I feel like Edinburgh is what Americans probably picture when they think of London, it’s beautiful, and such an amazing place to walk around, even at 6am after you got a bit too carried away in a bar for the 18th time that month.

What are your plans for after the festival?

Depending on how it goes I’ll either go home and put the show poster up in the bathroom, or if it goes terribly I’ll shred all the remaining flyers and never speak of it again.

I actually have a gig the day I get back, and I’m very much regretting that decision already. After that I’m going to Spain with my girlfriend (that sounds nice and relaxing, Jake, you’ll get to unwind and relax)… oh and her mum, who lives in Australia who I haven’t actually met yet… uh oh, sounds like someone’s going to be getting some material for next year’s show.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JAKE LAMBERT: ‘LITTLE LOST LAD’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018