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The comedians paradise: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Marvin McCarthy
Join comedian and promoter, Marvin McCarthy each Sunday at 8pm UK time as he interviews the mavericks of the comedy world.
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- Today58 min
Starting clown at 30
What does it take to master the art of the fool? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning British physical comedian, master mime, and clown David Hoskin.Fresh from acclaimed runs at Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, David unpacks his time training at the legendary international theatre school, École Philippe Gaulier. We delve into the psychological power of "embracing the flop", the precise mechanics behind his hit comedy-horror show A Haunted House, and how he treats awkwardness on stage as a creative superpower.Whether you're an aspiring performer, a theatre maker, or just a massive fan of surreal alternative comedy, this deep dive offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain of contemporary physical theatre.Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast for more exclusive chats with leading creative voices! If you would like to know more on David, go on his website at https://www.davidhoskin.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. #ComedyPodcast #AlternativeComedy #ClownLife #PhysicalComedy #PodcastEpisode #PhysicalTheatre #MimeArtist #PhilippeGaulier #ClowningAround #StageCraft #StartingOverAt30 #CreativeJourney #LateBloomer #EmbraceTheFlop #CreativePivot
- 1 weeks ago46 min
From 'White Van Man' to Stand-Up Comedian!
Join host Marvin McCarthy on The Comedians Paradise as he chats with stand-up comedian and writer Scott Adams about his hit Edinburgh Fringe show, The Van Man Can!. Discover the reality of juggling a UK delivery driver job with live comedy, mastering crowd work, and building a sustainable career on the British comedy circuit. Tune in for unfiltered backstage stories and sharp stand-up insights from a true festival maverick. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[02:45]] Being a van driver, public observation, and the reason I had to change my accent as a British 'white van man' [[14:07]][[14:07]] Bizarre roadside observations and why witnessing a lady eating a bogey is so incredibly weird [[18:00]][[18:00]] Exploring the most haunted roads and paranormal highway myths across the UK [[19:00]][[19:00]] Unfiltered delivery horror stories and the absolute worst houses I have ever visited on my route [[26:00]][[26:00]] The freedom, daily realities, and perks of being your own boss and being self-employed [[31:00]][[31:00]] My comedy origin story and exactly how I started out on the live UK stand-up circuit [[34:52]][[34:52]] Entering the lion's den: gigging with big-name headline comics when first starting out in comedy [[39:27]][[39:27]] An insider look at London's famous Lions Den comedy club and what ultimately happened to the venue [[40:31]][[40:31]] The truth about controversial 'pay-to-play' comedy gigs and navigating the live gigging circuit [[43:12]][[43:12]] Navigating the financial realities and industry gatekeeping of the modern comedy scene [[45:42]]If you like what you here from Scott, you can reach him on his Instagram at @scottadams07.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 #TheComediansParadise #ScottAdams #StandUpComedy #UKComedy #ComedyPodcast #EdFringe #WhiteVanMan
- 2 weeks ago1h 2m
Unionising Canadian Comedy with Sandra Battaglini
In this interview we chat to the brilliant Sandra Battaglini, she is an award-winning stand-up comic who spearheaded a historic grassroots movement to unionise Canadian comedy, founding CASC(The Canadian Association of Stand-up, Sketch & Improv Comedians) and partnering with Unifor/CFU to secure essential performer benefits. Here is an overview of what we discussed: 00:00 – Introduction to Sandra Battaglini and Her Mission02:48 – Sandra's Journey into Comedy and Activism05:46 – The Formation of a Comedian's Association (CASC)08:53 – Lobbying for Change in the Canadian Comedy Landscape11:57 – The Impact of Unionization on Canadian Comedians15:02 – Challenges and Changes in the Canadian Comedy Scene17:50 – Personal Growth and Business Mindset in Comedy21:00 – The Future of Comedy and Community Building24:11 – Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Social Media and Comedy26:50 – The State of the Canadian Comedy Industry33:27 – The Struggles of Comedy and Unionization36:43 – Life Beyond Comedy: Personal Insights42:14 – The Unexpected Path to Comedy48:23 – Workplace Dynamics: Comedy vs. HospitalityIf you would like to know more on Sandra, you can go on her website at https://www.sandrabattaglini.com/ or follow her on Instagram at sandrabattaglini.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
- 3 weeks ago56 min
Winning the Malcolm Hardee Award by Eating Cheese
In this episode of The Comedians Paradise, we dive deep into the mind of Edinburgh Fringe legend and Malcolm Hardee Award winner, Mark Dean Quinn. From his legendary cult status as the man who ate a kilogram of cheese on stage at 2:00 AM, to the rules of his chaotic new late-night alternative hit, Mark Dean Quinn Tries to Walk Towards a Flipchart, we explore what it truly means to make maverick comedy.We break down the evolution of audience interaction, why live comedy is shifting away from corporate influences, and the psychological relationship between a comedian and the audience's laughter. Whether you are a comedy nerd curious about the health implications of eating dairy for an hour on stage, or a performer looking to navigate corporate sponsorships without losing your joyful, unexpected spark, this episode is a masterclass in comic originality.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the Fringe and Mark Dean Quinn02:57 – The Unique Experience of Live Comedy05:58 – The Evolution of Comedy and Audience Interaction09:09 – The Relationship Between Comedy and Laughter12:06 – The Cheese Show Phenomenon17:59 – Health Implications and the Future of Comedy25:32 – The Art of Comedy and Performance28:14 – Navigating Sponsorship and Publicity 29:55 – The Fringe Experience: Joy vs. Corporate Influence36:05 – Creating Unique Comedy Experiences39:11 – The Evolution of Comedy Shows50:04 – Audience Dynamics and Engagement54:19 – Finding Joy in the UnexpectedIf you would like to know more about Mark, you can follow his Instagram at mark_dean_quinn. 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.#edfringe2026 #markdeanquinn #malcolmhardee #thecomediansparadise #alternativecomedy #edfringe2026 #freefringe #edinburghfringe #livecomedy #podcast #edinburghfringe #edinburghfringecomedyfestival #edinburghfringe
- 4 weeks ago50 min
18 years of fringe festivals
We talk to Josh "Bonesy" Rice is an Adelaide-based comedian, writer, and director who has been a staple of the international Fringe circuit since 2008. Widely known for his work with comedy group DamnitLeanne! and his regular appearances at Adelaide's iconic Rhino Room, he specialises in physical comedy, improvisation, and sketch writing. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[03:19]] Fringes and Comedy Reviews [[05:49]] [[05:49]] Tall Poppy Syndrome and Cultural Differences [[12:30]] [[12:35]] Why I Like Small Fringes [[16:43]][[16:43]] Adelaide's Year-Round Comedy Scene [[19:43]][[19:43]] Flyering Strategies at the Edinburgh Fringe [[24:17]][[23:00]] Targeted Flyering: Reaching the Right Audience [[23:42]][[24:17]] Show Breakdown and Creative Process [[33:55]] [[25:40]] Character Spotlight: Lord Sharon [[26:05]] [[34:05]] The Art of Audience Interaction and Crowd Work [[39:00]][[44:57]] Navigating ADHD as a Comedian [[49:32]] To check out his show Lost in Translation, head to the website: https://lostintranslation.com.au/. For sketches, follow @damnitleanne on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok..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. #joshjonesyrice #lostintranslationshow #edfringe #adelaidefringe #edfringe2026 #edinburghfringe #comedyfestival #damenitleanne #18yearsoffringefestivals
- Aug 16, 202639 min
15 years of puppets
Professional puppeteer and clown Michelle Stein joins the podcast to chat about her 15-year career and her solo show Always Sometimes Maybe at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We dive deep into the rich history of alternative theatre, the art of physical comedy, and why the Fringe has shifted from a haven for eccentric artists into an expensive party for the elite. Plus, we debate the merits of Chicago deep-dish pizza and plug The Pieces—a spectacular circus show performing at the Underbelly Circus Hub. If you would like to know more on Michelle, you can go on her website at https://www.michelejoystine.com/ or go to her edinburgh fringe show:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/always-sometimes-maybe. 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
- Aug 9, 20262h 13m
40 years of stand-up wisdom
We interview Martin Mor, the Northern Irish powerhouse who transitioned from a successful career as a circus performer to take the unsuspecting comedy circuit by storm. With over 40 years of experience as a professional entertainer, Martin has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Now back in Northern Ireland, he works as a leading comedy tutor, sharing his decades of stage wisdom with the next generation of comics. Here is an overview of what we discussed: [[00:00]] How I got started in stand-up comedy [[07:48]][[08:26]] The evolution of booking female comedians on the circuit [[11:38]][[17:05]] How to approach hosting a comedy night [[19:00]][[19:00]] The difference between a comedy closer and a headliner [[20:30]][[20:30]] Why social media comedians should transition to live stage shows [[22:46]][[22:46]] Writing for theatre shows vs preparing for different audiences [[24:29]][[24:29]] Knowing your value: Why I don't take fifty-pound gig spots [[26:10]][[26:10]] TV comedy acts, bill advertising, and the state of the modern circuit [[33:00]][[33:00]] How to get paid work as a comedian [[35:05]][[36:44]] Doing a favour for an act: Why comedy is a team game [[38:13]][[38:13]] What to do if you're bombing on stage & the 10-year rule to get good [[38:54]][[39:30]] Why five gigs a week isn't enough & rising to a closer in months [[41:11]][[42:00]] New acts vs how hard the top professional comedians actually work [[44:03]][[44:03]] The massive difference between good and bad crowd work [[46:22]][[47:50]] The ultimate key to mastering crowd work on stage [[51:40]][[01:00:00]] Treat every show as a big gig & dress for the job you want [[01:04:18]][[01:04:18]] What to do when your comedy set is going brilliantly [[01:05:21]][[01:05:21]] The critical mistakes to stop doing when you are doing well [[01:06:41]][[01:06:41]] Bad clowns vs bad stand-up & getting robbed by Croatian police [[01:09:00]][[01:09:00]] Performance vs writing: How many comics master both skills? [[01:15:00]][[01:15:00]] Building an audience that will actually pay to see you live [[01:16:02]][[01:16:02]] Joke theft: Does your material get stolen because you're not original? [[01:19:00]][[01:19:48]] The link between ADHD and stand-up comedy performance [[01:22:00]][[01:38:00]] The problem with École Philippe Gaulier students leaving clown school [[01:41:00]][[01:41:00]] The issue with Edinburgh Fringe shows from Gaulier clowns [[01:44:00]][[01:52:57]] Landing your big break in the entertainment industry [[01:55:15]][[01:55:15]] Debunking the biggest BS in comedy: The struggling artist myth [[01:58:00]][[01:58:00]] Creating alternative income streams and scaling your opportunities [[02:04:00]][[02:04:00]] How comedians lose their biggest career opportunities [[02:13:00]]#martinmor #standupcomedy #comedycircuit #comedymasterclass #comedyadvice #crowdwork #ukcomedy #stagecraft #thecomediansparadise #comedycoach If you would like to know more about Martin, you can go on his website at https://martinmor.com/. You can also 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.
- Jul 19, 20261h 23m
Script writer and editor Andrew Ellard
We chat to Andrew Ellard, he is a premiere British screenwriter, script editor, and story producer famed for his work on critically acclaimed shows like The IT Crowd, Red Dwarf, Miranda, Detectorists, and Chewing Gum. Here is an overview of what we discussed:[[03:03]] Should Idris Elba play James Bond and the challenge of casting directors [[07:34]][[07:34]] Why I stopped watching Doctor Who when Peter Capaldi left [[10:26]][[11:14]] My comedy journey: Starting with Red Dwarf and getting into The IT Crowd [[17:09]][[17:20]] Why you need a unique perspective and flawed characters to write good scripts [[24:00]][[24:00]] How sitcoms differ from traditional TV shows: Why Del Boy’s stupidity creates the comedy [[33:06]][[33:06]] Why the American Inbetweeners didn’t work: How US sitcoms differ from British versions and the cultural psyche [[39:19]][[39:19]] What made Chandler so good, the brilliance of Friends, and why the Joey spin-off failed [[44:28]][[45:21]] Do you work with a lot of comics? [[49:00]][[49:00]] Why you need your characters to be broken [[53:46]][[56:00]] Why we fall in love with characters on TV shows and sitcoms [[01:02:05]][[01:02:05]] How to get your sitcom commissioned [[01:06:25]][[01:06:25]] What I’ve noticed about the best scripts and the danger of writers getting stuck [[01:12:00]][[01:13:51]] Being a better writer and my definitive advice to comedians [[01:26:17]]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
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Join comedian and promoter, Marvin McCarthy each Sunday at 8pm UK time as he interviews the mavericks of the comedy world.
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