Stuart Goldsmith

Interview: Stuart Goldsmith, Like I Mean It

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© Matt Crockett

Stand up comedian and podcaster Stuart Goldsmith is set to tour his seventh show, Like I Mean It, across the UK from February through to June 2018. Having already won Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival, and had a very successful Edinburgh run in 2017, now it’s time for Goldsmith’s creativity to truly shine, as he performs this show to ever-growing audiences across the country.

Hi Stu, how have you been since we last spoke?

Really well thanks – married life is excellent, and my toddler said “good morning daddy” for the first time, unprompted, this morning. So now I feel like I’m in a sixties Disney live action movie. 

How did your latest show, Like I Mean It, evolve? Is there a core story or message?

As ever I tried to write funny stuff with no meaning, and as ever it evolved into something meaningful despite my best efforts! I wouldn’t dream of trying to send a message to anybody, but the core of the show is my blissful happiness now I have everything I always wanted, and the resentment and frustration that somehow comes along with all that contentment. 

Have you surprised yourself at all whilst writing this show?

Absolutely. It’s my seventh show, and my best, and while I’m always surprised that I have anything more to say, in this one in particular I manage to say exactly what I wanted to without beating the audience over the head with it. I also came up with a neat little structural trick which I’m hoping to expand upon for this year, which one favourite reviewer of mine absolutely HATED, so I’m looking forward to annoying her all over again. 

Are you enjoying performing Like I Mean It more than your previous shows?

I think so! It’s more about funny concepts and less to do with being word perfect on the wording of a joke, so it makes for a looser performative experience for me. Also there’s a bit about a frog which I find hilarious if they all go with it, and equally hilarious if none of them do.

Has your work on the Comedian’s Comedian Podcast effected your stand up in any positive (or negative) ways?

I’m sure it has but quite how I couldn’t say. For me the biggest difference has always been that once I realised all comedians worry that we’re impostors, it got much easier to deal with my own self doubt. I should try and keep a list of the things I think to myself during the writing process, as I’m sure there are more concrete examples. 

Can we expect any Q&As after the shows during this tour?

No, this time I’m going to be roughing out a load of wonky new material after each show, so anyone who fancies staying gets a sneak preview cum workshop of the next show! 

Are you dreading writing the next show or looking forward to it?

Dread dread dread. But as soon as I get to the stage where I have too much material it will flip and suddenly become the best job in the world again. IF THAT POINT EVER COMES EVER AGAIN. 

And finally, why should people buy a ticket to see Like I Mean It on tour?

Because if they try and sneak in for free I will publicly shame them.

BOOK TICKETS TO SEE STUART GOLDSMITH’S SHOW, LIKE I MEAN IT, ON TOUR HERE

The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Stuart Goldsmith

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Stand up and Comedian’s Comedian podcaster Stuart Goldsmith‘s show craftsmanship just keeps getting better and better. Like I Mean It won Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival earlier this year, despite still being unfinished, so it looks as though Goldsmith is set for another brilliant year in Edinburgh. Stuart is performing his free show at the Liquid Room Annexe throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

The chance to feel like a normal human being for an entire month, as everyone around me lives my life: thinking, talking, eating and breathing comedy! And the “macaroni pie”, which is unavailable in the real world.

© Matt Crockett

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

It was called “The Reasonable Man” in 2010, and it was about realising I’d spent my whole life trying ever so hard to be alternative, but despite my best endeavours I was actually (depressingly) normal.

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

Nice people! I’m incredibly lucky – I almost never get heckled, and anything people do shout out tends to be encouragement. At a recent new material night a heckler shouted “yeah – seems like a ‘bit’!”

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

Oooh, probably when I stayed in a suspiciously cheap rental place in Haymarket, which turned out to have no lock on the door and effectively a bunkhouse where people wandered in and out all day. I had a watch stolen which had just been given to me by my then girlfriend. Still, I was too cheap to fork out for decent accommodation despite enjoying at the time a street-performer’s pre-boom income, so you buy cheap you buy twice, or whatever people say. “You pay peanuts you get your monkeys stolen”. Something like that.

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

Well I’ve been lucky to have a few sparkly show-off gigs, but bringing my baby onstage at the final performance of last year’s Edinburgh show (which had been all about him) was hilarious and heart-warming and better than Wembley.

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

Andy Daly. He’s an American improviser who did the world’s best piss-take of standup comedy. Search “Jerry Ahearn Standup” on youtube and cry laughing. He’s at the Gilded Balloon in an improv show and we shall become best friends.

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

I’d like to come out of it with some money, a finely-tuned tour show that’s ready to take on the road, and these days due to the sobriety of fatherhood, some actual un-fogged memories for once! I don’t drink at the festival anymore, and i’m staying in a house with dear friends and two other babies, so we’re going to have wholesome super-fun and go swimming and hang out at play-parks and it’s going to be all squeaky cle- AAAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHHHH.

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

I try to do every show as if it’s my last, yeah? Because I’m an incredibly pretentious wanker.

BOOK TICKETS FOR STUART GOLDSMITH: LIKE I MEAN IT, AT THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2017

Stuart Goldsmith: Compared to What

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Stu Goldsmith is currently touring his second stand up hour, and due partly to his recent appearance as Jack Whitehall’s tour support for his Wembley Arena shows, Stu’s audience in the studio room at Birmingham Glee Club has more than doubled since last year.

With the birth of his first child a little over a year ago, Stuart has made a ‘compromise’ and moved to the countryside, to live with his partner. Now, he is nostalgic for the passive-aggressive nature and fast pace of the city, and is keen to demonstrate why. His observations are accurate and take a refreshingly new stance on the life of a city-dweller, which is a well-trodden terrain in the world of stand up. It seems as though Goldsmith’s life, both personally and professionally, is hurtling at 100 miles per hour, and this is something that is truly exciting to see. The comic is energised, and yet he comes across as more centred, calm and comfortable than I have ever seen or heard him before.

© Nick Gast

Goldsmith’s comedy becomes more skilled and efficient as each year passes. He’s a true grafter, clued up on the ins and outs of performers from all over the world yet dedicated to the nurturing of his own amiable, lively storyteller style. But this year he’s got an extra sense of ‘edginess’ about him. Stuart is cheekier, seeming to enjoy being on stage more. He plays around with ideas with the freedom of someone previously limited in some respect, and I think these previous obstacles must have been behind the scenes because his material has always been the epitome of well-established comedy. Knowing Stu, we can be sure that there is a great amount of detailed analysis going on beneath the surface. We only see his best stuff. And that’s what makes this latest hour such a great feat.

Stu treats his audience to an extra half hour or so of preview material after the initial hour show. This seems to be a sensible model, as audiences get more for our money and the comic gets to run through some new concepts in front of a crowd. And the post-show informal podcast chat proves insightful, as always, with an extra buzz to discussion stemming from the exciting prospect of a recently recorded interview with Stewart Lee.

Not only is this latest show heart-warming and humble and very funny, Compared to What is entertainment from start to finish. Stuart Goldsmith has a passion for comedy that is infectious. He’s in his prime, each year getting stronger and more self-assured, becoming more and more of a genuinely expert writer with each new show.

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH STUART GOLDSMITH

Stuart Goldsmith: An Hour (2016)

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© Andre Pattenden

To finally and officially put face to the voice of Stuart Goldsmith has been a very long time coming. I have listened to his podcast The Comedian’s Comedian for years but it’s strange to have a visual rather than just an audio; strange not to be wearing earphones. Goldsmith’s debut tour kicks off at Birmingham’s Glee Club; the studio being satisfyingly busy and Stu holding his ground incredibly well.

Stuart Goldsmith is the genuine article with no showing off and no false illusion of power. Goldsmith gives the humble impression of being a just guy stood in front of a group of people and telling a few anecdotes, but his act far exceeds that description. Any fan of the podcast will already know that Stuart is a lovely guy: that’s why we bought tickets. But what I certainly wasn’t expecting was for him to be half as commanding in front of an audience as he effortlessly was. Any of the self-doubt he so often alludes to quickly becomes a faint memory as Stu recounts stories of his childhood and adolescence. And he is just so nice. Even an irritating drunk lady who slurred through the majority of the show was dealt with reasonably and politely by Stu who quickly worked to smooth over the slightly sour feeling in the air, referring to it as “gently harassing a talkative woman”.

Goldsmith’s comedy is clear, succinct and not self-indulgent. His show is pleasingly structured and the final moments of the hour are a thing of absolute beauty. It’s very apparent that he knows how to craft a show and there is an authentic respect for performance as an art form as well as consideration of the audience throughout. The hours of interviewing all manner of comedic performers has clearly had an impact on Goldsmith’s own craft in a way that I doubt can be said for the majority of podcasting stand up comedians.

And Stuart’s audience is as passionate about the craft as he, evident in the large number of people that stayed behind afterwards to ask questions about the podcast in a group-discussion setting. We chatted about the issues of censorship in broadcasting peoples’ opinions as well as other things that, somewhat ironically, I am unable to disclose. So, after an evening of suitably nerdy entertainment I am left with my feelings of appreciation towards comedy as an art form, and Goldsmith’s informed and pioneering podcast itself, being as strong as ever. Let this serve as a strong recommendation of Stuart Goldsmith’s tour show, An Hour of your life well spent.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR STUART GOLDSMITH’S LATEST SHOW ‘AN HOUR’

Seven Questions With… Stuart Goldsmith

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© Andre Pattenden

Stand up comedian Stuart Goldsmith is also the brains behind every comedy nerd’s favourite podcast, The Comedian’s Comedian, a series of interviews where Stu gets to the heart of the creative processes and, invariably, the psychological issues of many a comic. The endlessly charismatic Goldsmith is rapidly cultivating a very interesting crowd of followers, with most audience members being as passionate about the craft of stand up as he is.
To find out more about Stu, I asked him these seven questions…

1) What is your best character trait?

My incredible world-class humility. But seriously folks…

I think I’m probably quite good with kids. That’s being tested recently with the birth of my new son; I was trying to be a fun uncle for the first week and ran myself into the ground over-delivering. I need to remember that he loves me anyway so I don’t need to throw a whirlwind of funny songs and kisses at him. Good advice for life generally…

2) How has your life changed in the past year?

Ha, I should have read through these first. Having a baby (and I know no-one without a baby cares about this) is the single most challenging thing I‘ve ever done. It’s impossible to explain to child-free people the extent to which it changes your life; it’s like suddenly becoming a religious fundamentalist overnight; you’ve got something incredible to live for but now you need to do all these insane rituals every 40mins and talk to something that isn’t listening.

3) What is the most challenging aspect of your podcasting work?

Ooh, nice question. It’s either: the fact that the job has an infinite brief, so I’m never finished; the fact that now watching comedy feels like “work I should have to do” rather than “a fun thing to relax with”; or it’s the amount of admin that has suddenly blossomed into my life. I want to answer every email and watch every video I’m sent, but I’ve also got to write a new show! But it’s enormously fulfilling and I arrogantly think it’s a legacy that will outlast however many DVDs I eventually sell. We’re changing lives here, people!

4) What makes you feel trapped?

Being buried alive in a coffin made of lolly sticks for a crime I didn’t commit.

5) Who would you be afraid to meet?

Gosh, everyone, I’m a terribly scared person. Lots of surface confidence and very little actual belief in myself. Probably an angry Scottish woman. For some reason they absolutely will not be charmed by me.

6) What was the last surprise you had?

My little bloke making a sort of pre-voice sound like “cah!” It was the absolute TITS.

7) What will make your first UK tour a success in your eyes?

If I walk away feeling like it’s the start of something. I had that feeling at Ed Fringe last year, and Brighton Festival later on. I’ve put a lot of work into my career and writing and performing and specifically this show, a lot of that part of the work was “working out what the work is”, coz comedy can be a rabbit hole made of sexy smoke. So the sensation that I’m starting to find and cultivate an audience is very satisfying. But – stay focused Goldsmith – my goal was to tour my own show, and actually getting to do the tour is a victory lap with which I’m rewarding myself for achieving that goal! So the shows themselves will be awesome whether there’s 100 people in the crowd or 2. DO YOU HEAR ME WOLVERHAMPTON?! I WILL NOT BE BEATEN!!

STUART GOLDSMITH IS CURRENTLY TOURING HIS LATEST SHOW ‘AN HOUR’ ACROSS THE UK

A Guide To Edinburgh 2015

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That time of year is upon us once more; thousands of performers, reviewers and audience members are preparing to visit the holy grail of comedy that is the Edinburgh Festival. Here is a quick run through of everything MoodyComedy would be attending if only I could get there this year. Do get in touch if you attend any of these shows, or see something else that you think should be featured. You can also catch up with the past week’s exclusive MoodyComedy interviews.

Stuff That’s Gold

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Katherine Ryan

Katherine Ryan is performing her latest show, Kathbum, currently riding high on her phenomenal rise to fame in recent years and showing no signs of stopping any time soon. With every new show, Katherine only increases in her wisdom, experience and cutting sass, similar to that of Irish charmer Aisling Bea who brings her second show, Plan Bea, to the festival. Another name to watch out for is that of Luisa Omielan, who will perform a very limited run of her second show Am I Right Ladies?!. Omielan is a performer that cares about her audience to an extent I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed before: her show is empowering, lively and not to be missed.

James Acaster presents another whacky hour of surreal yet surprisingly dramatic story-telling stand up in his show Represent and Joe Lycett returns, with possibly the best show title of the year: That’s The Way, A-Ha A-Ha, Joe Lycett. And it would frankly be a mistake to miss out on seeing Bridget Christie‘s latest show, A Book For Her, which sees the launch of her debut novel, and showcases her trademark blend of feminism and spectacular comedy.

Stuff That’s Odd

Tony Law, the king of surreal comedy, is performing his new show Frillemorphesis where he explores ideas such as shouting, moving and talking, absolutely standard. A live show from the Tone Zone is an opportunity not to be missed, or forgotten in a hurry, and his being in this category is by no means a suggestion that this show will not also be Gold.

Shouty extraordinaire Bobby Mair brings another dark and bitterly funny show off the back of his recent television successes, entitled Filthy Immigrant; Tom Allen performs Both Worlds with his signature sinister calm and endearing flamboyance and Harriet Kemsley, who spent the first part of this year supporting Katherine Ryan on tour, also performs her debut hour, Puppy Fat, which has got the critics excited. If you like a bit of audience interaction, Jonny Awsum’s show Everything Is Awsum will be another unforgettable experience, as will Patrick Monahan’s seventies-inspired show The Disco Years.

Stuff That’s Free

Now any Edinburgh Festival-goer will be able to tell you that ticket price does not necessarily dictate quality; free shows are on the rise as they are a great way of ensuring the trip is more affordable for comedians and fans alike. There are some real gems performing shows this year that rely on kind donations alone.

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Lou Sanders

Rob Auton has prepared another delightfully off-kilter, poetical concept show entitled The Water Show where he considers everything surrounding the theme of water, much like his previous shows which have centred around themes such as Yellow, Sky and Face. Elf Lyons‘ Being Barbarella is a high-octane adventure, discussing science fiction, liberation and sharks. This lady is a true one-off, who’s surreal form of comedy is often likened to The Mighty Boosh. And Lou Sanders, being the wonderful shambles of a performer that she is, brings her insane show about her efforts to get accepted into Eton College For Boys, of course entitled: Excuse Me, You’re Sitting On My Penis Again.

Stuart Goldsmith will also be recording episodes of The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast where he interviews everyone that is anyone in the world of comedy, delving deep into the psyche of the performer and having many laughs in the process. The line up for this year is stellar and although the recordings are free to attend and non-ticketed, the venue will undoubtedly fill up quickly on the night so plan ahead.

You can purchase tickets for all shows mentioned on the Edinburgh Festival website.

READ EDINBURGH PREVIEWS HERE

The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast

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Stuart Goldsmith

I thought I’d share with you my favourite ever comedy podcast, made by a really nice guy, and something that I think every comedy lover should know about. The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast was created by stand up comedian, Stuart Goldsmith and began in 2012  (though I only started listening in the past year or so). It is my favourite for a number of reasons:

Firstly, the guests are all absolutely  brilliant comedians. Although I haven’t listened to  all of the episodes as of yet, the ones I have picked out and listened to have been hilarious but interesting as well. Brendon Burns, Tony Law and Gary Delaney’s episodes proved particularly engaging because as well as being obviously funny people, they actually offered details into how they workand what their comedy means to them which is something other podcasts don’t offer.

Stuart Goldsmith himself is very funny and extremely knowledgable which I think is very important as you can see he is passionate about what he does. I always love seeing people get excited about the work they do and this was particularly clear when Stuart interviewed Tony Law (and who can blame him). Tony is one of my all time favourite comedians, I met him last year and he is just as lovely as he is hilarious.

Sara Pascoe

Listening to this podcast has taught me a lot about comedy but it never feels as though I am being lectured: it’s an entertaining kind of learning. My all time favourite episode was Sara Pascoe’s because I learnt so much about her but also about the kind of person it takes to be a successful comedian. She described the general personality type that ends up in an art form such as comedy and also explained how she works; how she forms her shows. Sara is another of my favourite comedians/actors because she has a unique comic style and is also just a really nice person, which is always good.

Basically, you should definitely check out this podcast, even if podcasts aren’t really your thing (I don’t listen to them all that often). As I’m doing my GCSEs very soon and Art is one of my best subjects, I spend a whole lot of time sat on my own painting or drawing or whatever but listening to Stuart Goldsmith’s shows really help to pass the hours!