Being a musical comedian with interesting facts

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, host Marvin McCarthy sits down with the brilliant Jack McMinn, a standout musical comedian and a true "man of interesting facts". Jack pulls back the curtain on his creative DNA, tracing his early inspirations from the deadpan genius of Flight of the Conchords and the lyrical mastery of Tim Minchin. They dive into the evolution of comedy through the noughties and tens, discussing the unique "weirdness" of being a musical act in a stand-up world and why musical comedy remains such a powerful tool for connection.The conversation takes a deep dive into Jack’s role as an archivist of the craft, exploring his "Whovian" obsession with Doctor Who and the profound influence of The Beatles on his songwriting. To wrap things up, Jack shares one of the most legendary stories in comedy lore: the incredible true tale of how Billy Connolly got discovered. From the wild characters of the circuit to the science of a perfect parody, this episode is a masterclass in the intersection of music, history, and humour.Episode Chapters[[00:00]] My inspiration from Flight of the concords and Tim Minchin [[04:16]][[04:16]] The noughties and tens, what matters in comedy, do I get any weirdness being a musical comedian, why musical comedy helps [[13:07]][[13:07]] Lots of wild people do comedy and restarting comedy multiple times [[19:47]][[34:39]] The story of the Beatles and my love for doctor who [[45:31]][[52:00]] How Billy Connolly got found [[59:00]]If you would like to know more on Jack, follow him on Tiktok and Instagram at jackmcminnpiano. 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. #musicalcomedy #jackmcminn #thecomediansparadise #musicalcomedian

In this episode of The Comedian’s Paradise, Marvin McCarthy and Jack Wheeler sit down with the "Supremo of Ventriloquism", Steve Hewlett. With a career spanning 40 years, Steve discusses his journey from the "bread and butter" of the holiday park circuit to becoming a Britain's Got Talent finalist.Steve opens up about the reality of touring with The Osmonds in America, why he wouldn’t step onto the BGT stage in the current climate, and a fascinating story about his fan, the late John Hurt. We also explore the technical challenges of the craft and whether Simon Cowell is truly qualified to judge variety acts.Timestamps:[[02:41]] Going on Britain’s Got Talent, my bread and butter, touring with The Osmonds, and why I wouldn’t do it now [[11:42]][[05:40]] Why I wouldn’t do Britain’s Got Talent [[06:12]][[06:30]] My advice for talent shows [[09:16]][[11:42]] Why I love small rooms and why I became a ventriloquist [[19:14]][[19:14]] The struggles of a ventriloquist and the reward of the craft [[20:30]][[19:14]] The struggles of being a ventriloquist [[19:50]][[20:30]] Can Simon Cowell judge ventriloquists? [[42:23]][[51:43]] The great things about live comedy [[01:03:59]][[01:04:00]] If you don’t like something, don’t watch it [[01:07:12]][[01:04:30]] John Hurt was a big fan of mine [[01:05:24]][[01:07:12]] Performing a show for my mum [[01:09:50]][[01:10:00]] My influences and advice [[01:26:00]]To find out more about Steve Hewlett, you can go on his website at https://stevehewlettventriloquist.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. #stevehewlett #thecomediansparadise #ventriloquism #bgt #britainsgottalent #varietycomedy #johnhurt #comedyinterview #ukcomedy #theosmonds

Join host Marvin McCarthy as he speaks with Jay Saunders, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy turned comedian. Discover how Jay is using Project Comedy to help UK veterans recover from PTSD and transition to civilian life through the power of military humour. Here is an overview of what we discussed:[[00:00]] Why British Military Personnel are World-Class [[04:31]][[05:36]] From Lieutenant Commander to Comedian: Jay’s Journey [[07:00]][[07:00]] Camaraderie vs. Bullying: The Reality of Military ‘Banter’ [[09:36]][[09:36]] Joining the Armed Services: Jay’s Military Career Beginnings [[12:45]][[12:45]] Battling PTSD & Smashing the Edinburgh Fringe with Project Comedy [[17:19]][[17:19]] The Culture Gap: Why UK Veterans Struggle with Compliments [[22:00]][[27:44]] Civilian Etiquette: What NOT to say to Armed Servicemen [[29:00]][[32:34]] Performing for the Military: The Do’s and Don’ts of Service Audiences [[36:00]][[36:45]] Stolen Valour & Walter Mittys: The Truth About the SAS [[40:22]][[42:56]] The Cultural Divide: British vs. American Armed Forces [[48:10]][[48:10]] The Perfect Match: Why Military Life and Comedy Work Together [[51:26]]If you would like to find about project comedy you can go on their website at https://projectcomedy.co.uk/, to find out more on Jay, you can go on his tiktok at comicjsaunders. In addition, if you would like to know about the parent charity of project comedy, Project trecce, go on https://www.projectrecce.org/.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 #projectcomedy #royalnavy #veterans #ptsd #britishmilitary #militaryhumour #thecomediansparadise #jaysaunders #veteranmentalhealth #edinburghfringe #armedforces #edinburghfestival

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 #professionalclownIf 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.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaneBaptisteComedyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/DaneBaptistePodcast: https://shorturl.at/SWnXeComing Soon: Citizen DaneFollow & Support This Podcast:YouTube: https://bit.ly/41LWDAqSpotify: spoti.fiSpotify:https://spoti.fi/3oLrmyU,Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/3LEkr3ESupport 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 ElseHow 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 UKComparing 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 ShowsNavigating 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 FatigueWhy London comedians repeat their sets until they are tired of their own material. [[31:00]][[32:16]] The Challenges of Hosting & MCingWhy hosting is a massive challenge and how it fundamentally changes a comedian's skillset. [[37:33]][[33:39]] Crowd Work Spotlight: Siobhan DoddDiscussing the art of interaction and the great crowd work of Siobhan Dodd. [[37:33]][[37:33]] Gothenburg vs Austin, TexasWhat makes the Swedish comedy scene so strong when compared to international hubs like Austin. [[40:27]][[40:27]] Essential Eastern European ComediansThe top comics from Eastern Europe that you should be following right now. [[44:13]][[47:12]] The Financial Cost of Comedy & Japan ToursHeadlining in Japan and the reality of the financial investment required to be a professional comic. [[50:12]][[53:10]] Changing the Game & Shout-outsHighlighting the people currently shaking up the industry and deserving recognition. [[01:01:48]][[54:40]] What Comedy Doesn't Need Right NowA 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