Comedy in a Nutshell

In this episode I spoke with creator and Director of the Leicester Comedy Festival Geoff Rowe, who talked about playing the piano badly, the Tony Slattery next door, and a lifetime contribution.

The annual Leicester Comedy Festival is the largest comedy festival in Europe and the longest running in Britain. Within it's umbrella it encompasses the UK Kids' Comedy Festival, the UK Pun Championship, the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award, the Silver Stand-up for over-55s, lectures, interviews and more.

I volunteer at the festival each year and its always a highlight in my calendar not least because of my love of comedy - where else would I be, seriously? - but also the city and its people are welcoming and provide a wonderful atmosphere for comedy. It's been my pleasure to come to know some of the people involved in the festival in my own small way, and I'm the richer for it. Plus, you know, comedy.

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Leicester Comedy Festival website

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In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Aideen McQueen, who talked about Seanchaí, alcoholism, a different generation of feminism and getting Mr O'Hanlon an apple.

I've been fortunate to see Aideen's 2022 show and 2023 show "Sugar Baby", as well as Best of Irish mixed bills. 

Aideen splits her time between the UK and Ireland, performing in both English and Irish. She's a vibrant and energetic comedian, regularly MCing at the Craic Den Comedy Club and the International in Dublin, as well as performing all around the UK with her sassy, sexy and very funny brand of comedy. 

Instagram @AideenMcQueen

Twitter @AideenMcQueen

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Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Stella Graham, who talked about comedy in New Zealand, wasting an hour, hiding at the back, and ringing Highways England.

Stella has been going for some time now and is a superbly accomplished comedian. Although familiar with Stella's work here and there, the first time I saw a full show was "Undercurrent" as part of 2021's Leicester Comedy Festival which was entirely online for obvious reasons. Fortunately at 2022's Leicester, I was able to see Stella in person performing "Porcupine". At a recent mixed bill in Kingston-upon-Thames, I chatted with Stella for about half an hour about comedy in general and she revealed a little of her inner nerd's love of comedy.

She's a wonderful writer and performer, with a huge weight of comic talent, performing on TV, radio and stage all over the world. As The Skinny once put it "If you're a TV executive, drop what you're doing and go see her now".

Instagram @StellaGraham

Twitter @StellaGraham

Stella Graham webpage

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Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell

Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Kate Martin, who talked about women in comedy, talking to the crowd, and trying to have a normal life.

Kate Martin is one of those comedians I first encountered through my laptop screen during the pandemic lockdowns. It's not always easy to appreciate the talent of a comic confined in such a way, but I knew I liked her immediately. She has an easy-going, earthy style no doubt enhanced by her no-nonsense northern tone, and a warmth of character and a ready wit that is captivating. 

My most enduring memory of the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe was spending my last evening in the company of some wonderful comics including Kate. Following her marvellous appearance on the Comedy Arcade, she decided it would be fun to peer over my camera while I was attempting to take a selfie with some comedians, and so it was, as the laughter in the photo can attest. After this, she and I and a group of cherished comedians went for, what for me was the final drink of the festival, and an evening in such good company was the cherry on my festival cake.

Instagram @ThatKateMartin

Twitter @ThatKateMartin

Kate Martin webpage

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Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Alex Hylton, who talked about the worst Jongleurs gig, high-fiving your partner, and hanging out with Good Kids at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet.

Alex Hylton hails from Manchester but has made Leicester his home, and it was here at the 2020 Leicester Comedy Festival that we met. He is an energetic performer and dedicated promoter of the local comedy scene, and I recognised an individual with a true passion for comedy. It was no surprise to hear him spoken of affectionately throughout the festival, and a delight when his third show "Get Rich or Die Cryin'" won Best Show at that year's Awards. It was two years before I saw Alex again, and he hadn't lost any of the energy and passion that are the true hallmarks of his character. It's a pleasure to know someone so synonymous with the comedy of Leicester and the Midlands not only for his devotion to local comedy, but for his hilarious and heartfelt stand-up.

Instagram @AlexParisHylton

Twitter @AlexParisHylton

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Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell

Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Tony Law, who talked about the NFL, the AI and comedy being cyclical.

I think I've seen Tony Law perform maybe thirteen times. From the first time I saw a full show - "Absurdity for the Common People" - in 2017, to just recently when I saw "A Now Begin in Again" for the fourth time at this year's Leicester Comedy Festival. Tony Law is not only a wonderful person to talk to, but also a comedic force of nature. He is unlike anyone I've ever seen perform comedy. On stage he is a whirlwind, with absurdist tangents being thrown out in every direction. As someone who sees a lot of comedy, the opportunity for me to see a performer who is devoid of a punchline is a rare treat, as I don't predict what will happen, but just let it happen, and it is never what I expected. That, for me, is one of the hallmarks of great comedy.

Instagram @MrTonyLaw

Twitter @MrTonyLaw

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Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

Live from the Leicester Comedy Festival in it's 30th Anniversary Richard Gill and Mark Duqueno join forces to talk about a few of their experiences at the festival. 

Richard Gill Instagram: @R.W.Gill

Richard Gill Twitter: @RW_Gill

A Rich Comic Life blog

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Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Fiona Ridgewell, who talked about getting in the bin, not being the most boring, and looking at watches.

Instagram @Fiona_Ridgewell

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In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Victoria Olsina, who talked about comedy in Argentina, boring conferences, LGBT+ comedy and the funniest police report.

Instagram @victoria_comedian 

Twitter @vic_comedy 

Victoria Olsina webpage

Clandestina Comedy website

The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd

Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell

Comedy In A Nutshell webpage

In this episode I spoke with stand-up comedian Michael Odewale, who talked about taking inspiration, taking your time, and the woman with the powerful grip.

Instagram @michaelodewalecomedy

Twitter @MichaelOdewale

The Comedy Nerd Instagram @The ComedyNerd

Comedy in a Nutshell Instagram @ComedyInANutshell

Comedy In A Nutshell webpage