Amuse Douche with James Haskell

It’s crunch time from James as he invites his mentor, Russell Kane, back into the studio to dissect James’ first ever stand-up set. Performed at the prestigious 99 Club in Central London, this is the first time James has played it to anyone.

Has James got what it takes to be a stand-up comedian? Let’s find out…

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

This is the last chance for advice before James takes to the stage for his first 5 minute set. To help him he’s enlisted comedy writer Dom English for a last counsel before road-testing his very first stand-up routine.

Dom’s worked on a staggering number of British TV staples spanning across decades, from the '90s to the '20s, including hit shows 'Big Breakfast', 'The 11 O’clock Show', '8 Out of 10 Cats' and 'The 1% Club' to name a few. He’s worked along side the likes of Jimmy Carr, Katherine Ryan, Lee Mack and now…James Haskell.

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

James welcomes into the studio fellow ‘I’m a Celeb’ contestant Andrew Maxwell. The two reminisce about their time in the jungle. Andrew discusses his roots in a turbulent Ireland and how he was already establishing himself as a stand-up at the grand age of 16.

With over 30 years as a stand-up comedian and comedy writer Andrew offers some invaluable tips and tricks he’s learnt over his decades in the limelight.

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

This week James gets physical with Larry Dean. The Glaswegian comic has become well known for his high energy and physical style on stage. James wonders if that could work for him and how he would incorporate it into his set.

Larry tells some saucy tales of his time as a pizza delivery boy and explains the value of being yourself onstage. James also gets a masterclass on dealing with hecklers and the importance in always having fun.

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

A familiar face on nearly every British comedy show going, Shappi Khorsandi has a staggering list of achievements to her name. From stand-up comedian to accomplished writer, from Margaret Thatcher to nude life model, Shappi bares all in a touching interview with James.

Shappi shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, fleeing Iran and her struggle with mental health. The two share tales of living life with ADHD and dealing with pressure at the top.

This show covers topics of bulimia and mental health.

For information, help and support on bulimia visit the website for Beat, or email and call using the details below.

Beat: The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Beat support for England: 
[email protected] or call free on 0808 801 0677

Beat support for Scotland:
 [email protected] or call free on 0808 801 0432

Beat support for Wales:
 [email protected] or call free on 0808 801 0433

Beat support for Northern Ireland: [email protected] or call free on 0808 801 0434

For more information or help regarding mental health contact Samaritans via their website https://www.samaritans.org/ or call for free on 116 123.

If anyone knows about changing hats its Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha. James traverses Paul’s life from doctor to comedian to quizzer and surgically removes any tips and hints he has to offer.

James quizzes Paul on his trajectory from snappy one-liner comedian to story teller and on how to find his uniqueness in the world of stand-up. The two reminisce about their respective time on Mastermind and what it’s like finding the balance between being professional in two very different fields.


Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

It’s important not to run before you can walk, so maybe it’s time for James to start thinking about taking his first steps into comedy.

Who better to guide him than seasoned pro Ed Byrne, with over twenty years as a comedian, he offers James some words of wisdom that he’s learnt over his many years in the limelight. From MCing student karaoke nights to making it big Down Under, Ed certainly has a range of skills for any audience, big or small.

Ed gives James a lesson on formulation, structure and crowd control. Also provides a word of caution around tackling tricky and controversial subjects.

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

Four weeks in and James is finding comedy isn’t all laughs as he struggles to get to grips with his homework. Running out of excuses, he seeks the advice of comedian Harriet Kemsley. She discusses her own writer's block and how to overcome it.

Harriet explores the importance of honesty and how using real life experience is the foundation of any great stand-up. She recalls her steep learning curve as she went from being unknown to an award winner within months of starting her comedy career.

In the meantime, James flirts with the idea of bringing family into the fray, as Harriet shares her experiences, good and bad, of making comedy a family affair.

The brilliant Lou Sanders is the latest comic to sit down with Hask to talk him through the tricks and the pitfalls of embarking on a stand up career. She recalls gigs that have gone wrong, emphasises the importance of being yourself and her secret to writing comedy.

Lou also talks about her own path into stand up: why she was terrible at doing office jobs - don't get her to book your trip to Russia - and how it was harder for women at the start of her comedy career.

Meanwhile, James wonders how he should deal with hecklers and reveals a hidden talent for chess.

Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell

Follow Lou on Twitter @LouSanders and Instagram @LoulieSanders, and for more info on her latest projects and gigs please visit lousanders.com

Every apprentice needs a master and James has found his for his comedy journey: Russell Kane. The two meet to make a plan of action for Hask: why size matters, his opening gags and which wild animal he should mimic when he first walks on.

Along the way, Russell reveals lots about himself: why did he take short stories with him on nights out with his mates? Why did he come to comedy late? And what else was he receiving when he won Australia's top comedy award?