The comedians paradise

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy interviews the "Beast of Physical comedy" himself, John Towsen, for an in-depth exploration of the mechanics of funny.

John breaks down the relationship between clowning and physical comedy, moving beyond typical red-nose tropes to look at the spirit of the performer. We compare American and European styles, discuss the legendary impact of Philippe Gaulier, and examine why so few people are teaching physical comedy correctly today.

Crucially for the stand-up community, John deconstructs gag structures, explaining exactly how a physical gag differs from a verbal joke and how you can use these frameworks to build more dynamic material. Whether you are a seasoned pro or "clown curious", this episode offers a masterclass in the technical craft of comedy.

Episode Timestamps:

[[00:00 ]] My introduction to clowning, the relationship between clown and physical comedy [[06:50]]

[[06:50]] American vs European style of clowning, why I teach gag structures, how does a physical gag differ to a standup joke [[19:19]]

[[19:19]] Philippe gaulliers impact on the world my first clown course with Beverly Crusher [[27:42]]

[[28:40]] Using gag structure to create material and who most people in the clown workshops are [[32:00]]

[[32:00]] Not many people are teaching physical comedy the right way [[44:20]]

[[01:00:00]] My advice to performers [[01:05:39]]

#clowning #physicalcomedy #standupcomedy #gagstructure #comedymasterclass #johntowsen #thecomediansparadise #comedypodcast #performanceart #theatrestudies #gaulier #comedywriting #professionalclown

If you would like to know more about John, you can join his workshop in London:https://shorturl.at/E30HA, follow his bog:https://physicalcomedy.blogspot.com/ or buy his book on amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clowns-John-H-Towsen/dp/0801539625.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #standupcomedian

The Comedian’s Paradise is the interview podcast giving you the inside scoop on global comedy scenes and the mavericks who define them. In this episode, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the legendary physical comedian Michel Courtemanche. Known as the "Human Cartoon", Michel reveals why he walked away from international fame to pursue his true passion for directing.

Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:00]] My journey to being a physical comedian and how I eventually transitioned to my passion [[08:40]]

[[13:00]] My process for refining and creating bits: Building characters, placing them in situations, and immersing myself in that world [[21:43]]

[[25:32]] What is "the wave"? [[30:28]]

[[31:00]] What makes Jim Carrey and Robin Williams such great performers, and why it is tough to film physical comedy [[42:00]]

[[43:00]] Analysing why Karl Porter's bit is so effective [[46:00]]

[[48:11]] What you need to be a successful comedian [[50:00]]

[[50:00]] Teaching clown workshops in Italy [[52:39]]

[[52:45]] Why I left physical comedy and what I learned from teaching [[58:43]]

[[58:43]] Why my attitude towards others using my bits differs from how stand-ups respond [[01:02:50]]

[[01:11:00]] Why I teach movement in the evening [[01:13:00]]

Here are some of Michels famous numbers, the drummer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEHt49wA5zA, the samurai:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA3NtiS7Hdw and the weightlifter:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lguRWs8h2Zw.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #michelcourtemarche #physicalcomedian #visualcomedian

How do you turn a kitchen-table pilot into a comedy powerhouse with 100,000 subscribers? Marvin McCarthy sits down with Phil Green to discuss his unique journey through the comedy circuit, his success as a festival regular, and the meteoric rise of Believe? The Myths & Conspiracies Pod. From debunking the 'bullied comedian' trope to productivity tips inspired by the likes of Romesh Ranganathan, this episode is the ultimate guide to mastering independence and connecting with an audience on your own terms. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Journey into comedy and the Believe Conspiracy podcast [[11:33]]

[[11:46]] Live comedy shows, handling 'dodgy' crowds, and avoiding the Piers Morgan style of interview [[16:40]]

[[16:41]] Podcast growth strategies: How to book better guests as you scale [[22:06]]

[[22:06]] Marketing with specificity: Why niche branding is essential at comedy festivals [[32:05]]

[[32:21]] What it takes to build a successful comedy podcast in the UK [[41:35]]

[[41:54]] Building a following: The link between podcasts and solo stand-up shows [[45:08]]

[[46:00]] The 'bullied comedian' trope: How childhood shapes a performer's voice [[50:13]]

[[50:13]] Exploring the weird and wonderful world of the comedy circuit [[58:08]]

[[58:08]] How Alternative comedians with a audience [[01:02:00]]

[[01:02:00]] Exposing the biggest bullshit in the entertainment industry today [[01:12:45]]

[[01:12:45]] Productivity in show business: Learning from Romesh Ranganathan [[01:17:44]]

To find out more about Phil, visit his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/philgreencomedy. Alternatively, to follow the Believe podcast, you can find the links on the official Believe Linktree at https://linktr.ee/believeconspiracypodcast.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #believeconspiracypod #believeconspiracypodcast #comedyinterview #philgreen #marvinmccarthy #thecomediansparadise #asianzorro #philgreencomedy #edinburghfringe #edinburghfestival

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop on what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Susan Nickson, the creator of the legendary British sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, joins The Comedian’s Paradise to share her journey of writing a hit show at just 19 years old. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] Accents and finding love: Regional identity and chemistry [[06:04]]

[[06:04]] Starting Two Pints: The origin of the BBC cult classic [[07:52]]

[[07:52]] Asians ageing well: Cultural insights and heritage [[08:57]]

[[09:25]] Why Two Pints succeeded: Casting secrets and Runcorn nostalgia [[18:10]]

[[18:11]] Local backlash vs. comfort TV: The Runcorn response [[23:09]]

[[25:20]] Why sitcoms aren’t being produced: The Mrs. Brown’s Boys effect [[28:22]]

[[28:22]] Writing Two Pints characters: The scriptwriting thought process [[35:00]]

[[32:00]] Creative collaboration: Working with different writing styles [[35:00]]

[[38:25]] Writers' room: Inside the professional comedy engine [[41:03]]

[[41:03]] British comedy legends: Why Only Fools and Horses works [[45:16]]

[[47:42]] The Two Pints musicals: How the special episodes happened [[48:58]]

[[51:13]] Actors vs. Characters: Real life vs. on-screen personas [[54:36]]

[[52:53]] Creating Louise: Developing a brilliant sitcom character [[54:36]]

[[54:51]] Writer-actor synergy: Building vital industry relationships [[56:23]]

[[57:11]] Success and risk: Why starting young is a creative advantage [[01:03:17]]

[[01:01:00]] Multi-platform content: Strategies for modern creators [[01:03:17]]

[[01:03:17]] Ignoring the critics: Dealing with hate and reviews [[01:08:40]]

[[01:05:25]] Why I don’t believe in critics: Maintaining creative vision [[01:07:00]]

[[01:08:40]] Career reflections: What my ten-year-old self would think [[01:12:00]]

[[01:12:34]] Is Two Pints coming back: Ownership and revival news [[01:16:44]]

If you would like to know more about Susan, she is running a play at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre, here is the link: www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #thecomediansparadise #thetwopintspodcast #twopintsoflargerandapacketofcrisps #interviewingcomedians #britishsitcom #britishcomedy

Welcome to the interview podcast providing an inside scoop on comedy scenes across the globe. We are dedicated to speaking with the true mavericks of the comedy world.

In this episode, join acclaimed comedian Dane Baptiste for an unfiltered look at his journey, from his humble beginnings to conquering the Edinburgh Fringe. Dane dives deep into the harsh realities of the comedy industry, the hurdles of creating a Black sitcom, and the nuances of racism in the UK versus the USA.

From navigating "cancel culture" to the raw truth about fame and ego, Baptiste explores why comedy remains the ultimate tool for explaining culture and speaking truth to power.

Episode Timestamps:

[[01:28]] My humble beginnings in comedy [[07:04]]

[[04:46]] TikTok culture and its impact on society [[07:00]]

[[10:11]] The challenges of starting a comedy journey [[13:53]]

[[14:10]] Creating a Black sitcom on a micro-budget [[19:59]]

[[19:59]] Conquering the Edinburgh Fringe with limited resources [[25:32]]

[[25:32]] Ego and the comedy industry [[27:05]]

[[27:09]] The truth about comedy promoters and critics [[29:19]]

[[35:12]] Validation and navigating "BS" in the comedy space [[40:11]]

[[41:37]] Comparing racism in the UK and the USA [[46:31]]

[[47:00]] Cheap race jokes and the "blame game" [[01:01:20]]

[[01:02:37]] The power of comedy [[01:04:05]]

[[01:08:00]] Why most people don’t want to tell the truth to rock the boat [[01:15:00]]

[[01:15:37]] My role as an observational comedian [[01:17:17]]

[[01:17:27]] Life advice, cancellation, and the rarity of being heard [[01:20:00]]

[[01:22:00]] Survival advice for being "cancelled" [[01:30:00]]

Connect with Dane Baptiste:

Official Website: danebaptiste.co.uk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaneBaptisteComedy

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DaneBaptiste

Podcast: https://shorturl.at/SWnXe

Coming Soon: Citizen Dane

Follow & Support This Podcast:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/41LWDAqSpotify: spoti.fi

Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,

Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/3LEkr3E

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise

#danebaptiste #comedypodcast #cancelculture #standupcomedy #britishcomedy #edinburghfringe #blackbritishcomedy #comedyindustry #socialcommentary #ukvsusa #thecomediansparadise #podcastinterview

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Join hosts Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler as they interview Donatas Kveselys, the 6ft 7in Lithuanian comedian making waves in Sweden, the european circuit, Japan and conquering all UK gong shows. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the "Lithuanian Giant" has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting rising stars in stand-up comedy. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[01:08]] The London Comedy Scene vs Everywhere Else

How Donatas became a comedian, the success of Victor Patrascan, and the unique pressure of London gong shows. Why the London circuit is so overcrowded compared to the rest of the world. [[08:16]]

[[08:26]] Freedom to Fail: Europe vs The UK

Comparing the supportive atmosphere of the European comedy scene to the high-stakes, "no mistakes" culture of the UK. [[10:56]]

[[25:32]] The Truth About Bringer Shows

Navigating the controversial UK bringer show model and its impact on new acts. [[29:40]]

[[26:50]] Is All Stage Time Good Stage Time?

Analysing whether simply being on stage is always beneficial for your comedy craft. [[28:10]]

[[28:00]] The London Grind & Material Fatigue

Why London comedians repeat their sets until they are tired of their own material. [[31:00]]

[[32:16]] The Challenges of Hosting & MCing

Why hosting is a massive challenge and how it fundamentally changes a comedian's skillset. [[37:33]]

[[33:39]] Crowd Work Spotlight: Siobhan Dodd

Discussing the art of interaction and the great crowd work of Siobhan Dodd. [[37:33]]

[[37:33]] Gothenburg vs Austin, Texas

What makes the Swedish comedy scene so strong when compared to international hubs like Austin. [[40:27]]

[[40:27]] Essential Eastern European Comedians

The top comics from Eastern Europe that you should be following right now. [[44:13]]

[[47:12]] The Financial Cost of Comedy & Japan Tours

Headlining in Japan and the reality of the financial investment required to be a professional comic. [[50:12]]

[[53:10]] Changing the Game & Shout-outs

Highlighting the people currently shaking up the industry and deserving recognition. [[01:01:48]]

[[54:40]] What Comedy Doesn't Need Right Now

A critique of current industry trends and what we should move away from. [[57:29]]

If you would like to know more on Jack Wheeler you can reach him on Instagram at pirate2908 and Facebook at Jack Wheeler, if you would like to know more on Donatas, you can reach on him on his Instagram at donataskveselys and his website at https://www.donataskveselys.com/.

You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #swedishstandup #lithuaniancomedian #standupcomedian

How does a WCW announcer and WGA screenwriter become a world-class clown? Chad Damiani joins Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise to break down the link between pro wrestling and physical comedy, the brilliance of Natalie Palamides, and why every comedian should question authority. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[07:35]] Clowning vs Wrestling: Examining the surprising parallels between these two art forms.[[14:58]]

[[08:35]] Gatekeeping in Comedy: Challenging the barriers to entry in the alternative scene. [[15:10]]

[[15:11]] The Wrestler as Clown: Which pro-wrestlers best embody the clown archetype? [[18:07]]

[[21:59]] Conservatory Training: Navigating the world of formal, high-level clown education.[[26:16]]

[[24:10]] The Gaulier Critique: Discussing the potential negatives of the Philippe Gaulier experience. [[25:20]]

[[27:12]] Personal Weaknesses: How to turn your human flaws into comedic superpowers.[[31:43]]

[[30:23]] Success Rates: Analysing the professional impact of Gaulier-style training. [[31:23]]

[[31:43]] Beyond Gaulier: Barnaby King’s influence and why Natalie Palamides is the next great clown icon. [[35:12]]

[[39:38]] Combat Training: Learning the physical mechanics of how to fight on stage.[[40:10]]

[[40:30]] Wrestling in Real Life: The drawbacks of using professional wrestling moves in actual fights.[[41:14]]

[[50:26]] Artistic Integrity: Why I prioritise what matters to me over seeking external approval.[[55:24]]

[[55:30]] Natalie Palamides: A deep dive into her creative process and iconic show structures.[[01:00:00]]

[[01:08:48]] Questioning Authority: The clown’s philosophical duty to challenge the status quo. [[01:10:00]]

[[01:10:00]] Clowning for Stand-ups: How traditional comedians can use physical theatre to improve their sets. [[01:19:00]]

If you would like to know more about Chad, you can go on his instagram at thechaddamiani, go to his podcast:https://shorturl.at/ZdDwH, watch his standup clown show:https://shorturl.at/Ks1hW and you could also follow him on his LInktree:https://linktr.ee/chad.damiani .You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #chaddamiani #standupandclown #modernclown #clownpodcast #clowningworldwide

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Our guest today is Simon Rakoff, Simon Rakoff is a veteran Canadian stand-up comedian with a career spanning over 40 years. Known for his sharp wit, observational humour, and storytelling, Simon has performed across Canada, the USA, and the UK, earning acclaim at major comedy festivals such as Just For Laughs, Halifax Ha!, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:00]] A brief overview of Canadian comedy, including insights into working with different comedy promoters. [[10:16]]

[[10:16]] Keeping my skills sharp and how Canadian comedy differs from American comedy; legalising cannabis; should drugs be legalised? [[21:04]]

[[21:04]] The importance of knowing French; comparisons between Toronto and Montreal; how Toronto is perceived across Canada. [[24:17]]

[[24:35]] Adapting my stand-up set for different audiences. [[27:27]]

[[27:27]] Many talented comedians travel from Canada to perform in the USA and UK; how Canadian humour stands apart. [[31:25]]

[[52:37]] The “woke versus edge-lords” debate in comedy; insights from Anthony Jeselnik. [[55:16]]

[[56:25]] Navigating the line between true comedians and aspiring performers.[[57:45]]

[[58:00]] How many real comics are there and how many wannabe comics; people who aren’t original. [[01:03:00]]

[[01:12:00]] – I don’t have enough time for people I care about, never mind those I don’t. [[01:16:24]]

To learn more about Simon, you can listen to his album Surrounded by Idiots on Spotify at https://shorturl.at/MnAqu or visit his official website at https://www.simonrakoff.com/.You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #podcastinterview #standupcomedian #canadiancomedy

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. Joining us today is Darren Sanders, a veteran of the Australian comedy circuit with over 30 years of stage and screen experience. Known for his sharp observational wit and relaxed storytelling, Darren has hosted five seasons of his own late-night program, The Darren Sanders Show, and appeared in hits like Underbelly and A Place To Call Home. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[02:07]] Coming from Adelaide and gigging for 33 years [[05:06]]

[[05:06]] Australia has been influenced from a wide range of comedy styles , some of my comedy influences, my idea of building a set. [[08:56]]

[[13:52]] My most memorable bomb [[17:37]]

[[17:48]] How are audiences in Australia different from each other , my experiences of being on cruises [[22:00]]

[[22:00]] My experiences of cruises [[29:31]]

[[29:38]] Why I don’t do comedy festivals [[31:20]]

[[33:21]] How my skin has become like a rhino over the years , since running a comedy club and dodgy business practices [[39:13]]

[[43:22]] Why I don't bother with the circuit and focus on corporate gigs and function [[47:03]]

[[51:25]] Is Russell Crowe a Kiwi or is he an Aussie?[[52:13]]

[[01:03:37]] What you need to prepare for when running a gig [[01:10:00]]

If you would like to know more on Darren Sanders you can go on his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/darrensanders. You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #standupcomedian #australiancomedy

An interview podcast giving the inside scoop of what happens in comedy scenes across the globe and dedicated to speaking to the mavericks in the comedy world. We talk to Andy Huggins, a veteran stand-up comedian and "King of One-Liners". A beloved figure in the comedy world for over 45 years, he gained national recognition on Season 13 of America's Got Talent (AGT), where he surprised judges by revealing he started his career alongside Howie Mandel decades ago. Huggins' timeless humor and unique perspective on aging have made his performances with Don't Tell Comedy go viral, captivating millions across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. A genuine Houston comedy icon, Huggins was one of the original Texas Outlaw Comics in the 1980s, alongside legends like Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison. He is known for his deadpan delivery and sharp, relatable jokes about daily life, naps, and growing older, proving that laughter truly is a timeless art form. Huggins recently released his first full-length special at age 73, available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. Here is an overview of what we discussed:

[[00:41]] How has Don’t tell comedy helped me? [[02:35]]

[[06:49]] What do I need to perform my best? [[13:09 ]]

[[13:09]] Do I believe in cancel culture and is comedy in good shape?[[17:31]]

[[18:07]] Get so good they can’t reject you and why I don’t do cruises. [[27:40]]

[[27:40]] How financial freedom get rids of crap gigs, the relationship between being a performer and how being a single man helps him. [[33:56]]

If you would like to know more on Andy, you can go to his Linktree at https://linktr.ee/andyhuggins. You can follow this podcast on Youtube at https://bit.ly/41LWDAq, Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts at https://apple.co/3LEkr3E and you can support the pod on:https://www.patreon.com/thecomediansparadise. #standupcomedypodcast #comedypodcast #interviewingcomedians #standupcomedian #donttellcomedy #americasgottalent