#Interview with comedian Liam McGough on #EdFringe show Two Guys, One GCSE – A Dave Vaughn and Liam McGough Production #JustTheTonic #TheMashHouse #MixItUp #TwoGuysOneGCSE

Interview with Liam McGough

hosted by Bookmarks and Stages –
Louise Cannon

I recently interviewed comedian, Liam McGough, rather timely given there’s a little bit more conversation around the working class. Coincidentally he and I are both of this class. We talked about his comedy show, Two Guys One GCSE. He has an agenda and that is to make people laugh. He has answered questions candidly giving a little bit about his life, the quite frankly strange attitude some middle class audiences have when they see him. We also talk about overcoming challenges and who inspired him. Discover too, whether awards help a performance or not… Ultimately, the show is just about making people laugh, that’s what is most important to him, as you will find out in the interview. He steers away from politics and the like and even his title is described as “a silly play on words”. After the interview, you can find out where to follow him and how you can see his show at Just The Tonic venue – The Mash House, see further details after the interview.

Let’s warmly welcome Liam McGough to Bookmarks and Stages

The name Two Guys One GCSE is a silly play on words, referencing an unwatchable video that went around when I was at school.

It was a unique time, pre-social media, and it had its own sense of humour. The sheer ignorance of that time, when looked back on today, is amusing to me.

It was lads and ladettes, lads’ mags and gossip mags. Greasy curtains for boys and rock-hard hairspray for girls. At the time, being brash and stupid was celebrated.

I was a late developer and really struggled with learning. I was, bottom set for everything and in special classes for disruptive pupils and those falling behind with their learning. Some teachers just thought I had no future, and others sent me out of class without even bothering to check.

But even though I knew I couldn’t keep up academically, I had a strong sense that I was smart and that people just couldn’t see it because my brilliance was lost amongst the 10,000 annoying questions and statements I would make.

To summarise, I was, and am, smart. The style of learning just wasn’t suited to people who think like me. But whether I was a write-off or simply misunderstood, I had the ability to make people laugh — teachers and students alike. That helped me survive school.

So, when trying to make people laugh with an Edinburgh show, what better time to talk about than the period when you developed your sense of humour?

You aim is to tell jokes and stories with the only agenda to make people laugh. So many comedians look at health or politics, so was this a conscious decision and what led you to this?

My intention is to give people a break from having other people’s views forced upon them. It’s one thing to shine a light on the darkness in this world and another to use the stage as a soapbox.

Too often, comedians think they know best and that it’s their responsibility, as one of the great minds of our time, to “educate” people. Firstly, I think this discredits people’s intelligence, and secondly, how does a group that famously are not considered titans of industry, have the most to say about how that money goes on to be distributed?

My views are very liberal and fall left of centre, but I find it uncomfortable to hear both sides be so sure of everything and say it with such aggression. I’m yet to meet a single person who has read everything there is to read on any one subject.

So, when faced with a world so broken by disagreement, wouldn’t it be nice to take a break for a moment and focus on something we all share: laughter?

Who or what inspired you to be a stand-up comedian?

This is harder to answer, as many of my peers are like encyclopedias of information about great comics and their material. But the truth is, I’m not a huge consumer of stand-up comedy.

There are people I find funny, but I don’t have specific comedians I particularly follow. I like hearing funny people chat with each other — people like Norm Macdonald, Bernie Mac and Martin Lawrence. When I’ve heard them on talking-head shows, or heard stories about them having dinner together and chatting at speed, that’s the thing that interests me.

Making people laugh is number two. Being around people who make me laugh is number one.

You’re part of the working class. What challenges have you faced to become a comedian as a direct result of being working class and how are you overcoming them?

Generally speaking, I benefit from being working class and having an accent.

But there are times when certain working-class subjects are expected of you, while chatting about books seems less interesting to a middle-class audience.

They want me to talk about having a fight in a mine while drunk.

Luckily for me, I have a business, and that affords me the ability to put on a show. But if I didn’t, Edinburgh might be totally off the table for me.

You have been named as “one to watch” and also won King Gong at the Comedy Store, Comedy Knockout and semi-finalist of Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year.
How does that feel, has this helped your career and where do you see your career going next?

I don’t think any of those things have done anything for my fledgling comedy career, per se, but they do win me the congratulations of my peers.

Doing them puts you in a situation where you’re tested against other people who are well received, and I think that makes you want to do better. You are the sum of the company you keep at the end of the day.

I would say I have been overlooked, but I would also say that others seem to be better at the admin, and at this stage, that’s what gets you booked regularly at the harder-to-get spots.

I’m hoping I’ll get so good one day that I become undeniable. But that’s something that will take a lot of work.

Where can people follow you on social media?

My Instagram is @liammcgoughtreeguy

My TikTok is @liamlol

Find details for tickets to Liam McGough’s show here on the EdFringe website:

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/two-guys-one-gcse

#Interview by Lou – What does Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Keenan have in common? Free #EdFringe show – Shrink Wrapped A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage. @lhcomedy #Hoots #Apex #WhatsOnEdinburgh #ShrinkWrapped #Comedy #Psychology #RobynPerkins #DrCarolyneKeenan #ComedyForTheCurious #LifeHacks

Interview hosted by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages with
Comedian, Robyn Perkins
and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan
Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage

Hoot 1 at Hoots @ The Apex
Grassmarket
9pm until 30th August

Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages.
Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.

Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.

Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…

The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful.
Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.

Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.

Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:

Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?

It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.

Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?

I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.

Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.

Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?

People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:

“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”

In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.

Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?

The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.

Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.

Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.

This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.

Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?

I hope the audience leaves with:

A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.

Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.

For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?

Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.

Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.

ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!

For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?

Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.

I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!

ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.

What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?

I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!

Where can people follow you on social media?

Dr. CAROLYNE KEENAN

You can find me on Instagram @drcarolynekeenan

Linked In (2) Dr Carolyne Keenan | LinkedIn

My website is www.carolynekeenan.co.uk

ROBYN PERKINS

www.robynperkins.com

Instagram @robynHperkins

Further Details about Shrink Wrapped:

Shrink Wrapped – A Psychologist Analysis of Comedians Live On Stage

#Review of Rob Auton: Jupiter – Comedy with storytelling. @robauton #Comedy #storytelling #theatre #EdFringe

Rob Auton: Jupiter

Review written by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages

Rob Auton brings hope and humanity in his deadpan style of comedy.

His storytelling is original and thought-provoking as well as very funny. There are many laughs to be had in this hour of his unique stand-up comedy style.

Rob Auton takes you on quite a rhythmic, sharply observed journey as he takes up the position a unique estate agent as he is trying to sell reasons to be on earth to a couple of extra-terrestrial beings from Jupiter. It touches on the surreal, with quickfire jokes and clever rhythm in his story-telling that sets them up. He’s quite the wordsmith as he stands stationery at the mic. It suits his style of comedy to do this rather than go for the physical comedy as the pace is slower, but the messages he is getting across are memorable and feel important and this adds to the meaningfulness that intertwines the interesting surreal of the estate agent concept. It also fits well with the intimate staging at The Assembly Roxy as there’s a feeling of his words drawing you closer into something you want to listen to.

The deadpan style and the word rhythms he adopts give Rob Auton great stage presence with his words penetrating into the mind, almost a bit hypnotic in a way in the manner in-which it is paced. He clearly wants you to take away his messaging as well as the laughs and mull them over. The style seems quite intelligently and intentionally done.

By the end, what can be felt, apart from the good endorphins from laughing, is also a sense of how important earth is and how truly privileged we, as humans are to be living on it, more than what is often realised as lots gets taken for granted ie the human condition. It was fantastic that it brings this to the forefront of minds.

Jupiter truly is profound throughout the comedy elements and a must see!

#EdFringe Review of Shantify – A show that mixes toe-tapping sea shanties and shantify pop songs whilst telling a compelling story #PalaisduVariété @ARedinburgh #GeorgeSquareGardens

Shantify

review by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages

Perfectly fills your heart positively with nautical joy!

Toe-tapping sea shanties and well-known pop/rock songs make the perfect Shantify mix of music and makes it a unique feel-good show. Hear Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, The Proclaimers 500 Miles, The opening song to that popular musical, Six and more… sang as you’ve never heard them before and in a perfectly formed sequence that help tell the story of a union of fishermen. The songs are clever in choice in their popularity and energy as well as the way they are woven into the storytelling.

There are some really heartwarming moments, like a fitting tribute to the RNLI, which is touching and very well received. The plot of fishermen volunteering for this lifesaving organisation, working elsewhere and coming back to their routes give a new perspective on fishermen and their lives in a positive, rather cool way. They have aspirations and dreams, a romantic moment and friendship, which brings funny and some sweet moments. There’s also a moment of trepidation.

Shantify is perfect! From the start you’re reeled and hooked in good and proper and remain invested until the end.

Whether you are new to Shantify or have seen it before, I highly recommed it.
It’s not all the same songs and has even more energy than ever before. You can’t help but feel energised and smiley by the end and lasts beyond the show. It’s the ultimate spirited feel-good show.

Catch the waves, it’s time to feel the Shantify vibe for one of the most entertaining, feel-good shows of your life! You’ll be smiling about it during and after the show.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shantify

Interview Celebrating 12 Years of Murder She Didn’t Write – An Improvised Crime Play at both The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and On Tour Across The UK

Interview with Lizzy Skrzypiec on Critically Acclaimed Long-Running Improvised Play Murder She Didn’t Write

Interview by Louise Cannon – Bookmarks and Stages

Sharpen your murder mystery skills to discover who the murderer is in Murder She Didn’t Write. A fabulously farcical Agatha Christie/Cluedo-esque play where every performance is different. You, the audience are not only in a position to solve the murder, you are also asked for different scenarios within the performance. Skillfully, the cast then creates a mysterious, humorous improvised play.

In 12 years, Murder She Didn’t Write has grown from small to filling larger venues/theatres at not just the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but on tour across the UK. You can see if this improv crime wave will hit theatres near you after this fascinating and entertaining interview.
Join me as we welcome cast member and co-creator Lizzy Skrzypiec to Bookmarks and Stages.

Your improv show, Murder She Didn’t Write is great fun. I remember reviewing it one year ago. It has become a much talked about and loved show. How did it all begin?

1. Gather round and I’ll tell ye a tale back in 2012 ish where a group of improvisers knew they wanted to make a long form improv show but didn’t know what direction to take it in. We all pitched different ideas to the group: improvised Twilight Zone, improvised Western, improvised Murder Mystery. And there was a fair bit of love for the improvised Western, until we all tried our atrocious American accents and realised a classic Agatha Christie style farcical murder mystery might be better suited to our skill set. But for a while Detective Agatha Crusty could well have been Sheriff Annie Getyourgun.

2. 12 years later and the show has grown from small venues and stages to one of the biggest stages. What does that feel like, seeing that success?

It is very heartening. There is a lot of love that has gone into this show. And it’s a joy working with some of my closest friends. So I’m always so happy to see others revel and enjoy the silliness that brings us as much joy to perform. I’m also surprised that no one has stood up, stopped the show and gone “Hang on! This is just a bunch of people enjoying themselves!” But until they notice I think we will keep on doing it.

3. The majority of the show is improvised and suddenly a show is seamlessly put together with whatever the audience gives you. It’s a skill. Can you reveal a bit how the cast do this?

Sure! The first part of our show is to build the world that the audience has asked for. That is a very powerful part of the show and lays the foundations for the rest of the story. It’s a dangerous time too – because anything too off-piste or weird here has ripples that extend over the next 2 hours (or 70 minutes if its the Fringe version). And we have had our fair share of mistakes – making calls and decisions in the early scenes that we are then stuck with for the whole mystery.

Once you speak something into existence it’s part of the world. And with that power comes great responsibility. So it’s an art of having fun, being silly, but making sure the foundation of the reality is strong enough for the absolute chaos we will inflict upon it as the mystery takes place.

4. The characters are based on Agatha Christie’s works with a Cluedo-esque take in mystery solving. What inspired you to do this mash-up?

Well I am a TV gameshow producer by trade so I’m sure that’s had an affect on the gamey feel of the show. We try to fulfil the murder mystery genre but in a fun theatrical and accessible way. Consider us the trifle of the mystery desserts tray. A mix of textures and flavours pulled from all sorts of mystery authors and TV shows. And like a trifle we are a bit saucy and maybe a bit boozy too (after the show).

5. If you were to sum-up the show in one or two sentences, what would you say?

It’s the perfect show for someone who has never seen a murder mystery and also a perfect show for someone who loves a murder mystery.

6. You’re back at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. What brings you to the festival and what next for Murder She Didn’t Write?

The Fringe is our spiritual home. We love performing here so much! So our own personal love of the spirit of the fringe has brought us back to the festival over and over again. What’s next? We have many touring dates in the autumn and winter up and down the country and a few on the West End too. I’m sure we’ll be committing various crimes in your areas soon.

Which show time will you choose?

Crime Solve at the Gordon Aikman Theatre, Assembly George Square (full run, 14:15 daily)

What could possibly happen in Edinburgh? Check out details here:

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/murder-she-didn-t-write

Will this improvised crime sweep into your area? Check out details here:

https://www.murdershedidntwrite.com/tour-dates

#Review of Max Fulham’s Monkey Business – Family Show – Gilded Balloon 11:50-12:50 #MaxFulham #GildedBalloon #EdFringe #Comedy #ventriloquist #familyshow

Max Fulham’s Monkey Business

review by Louise Cannon

Max Fulham’s Monkey Business is one for all the family. It’s the show where both kids and adults end up in stitches of laughter and join in, some more than others, and become part of this Monkey Business. This ventriloquist from just down the road from Edinburgh in Linlithgow is one to watch!

Max Fulham is a ventriloquist with a lot of comedy up his sleeve, or perhaps that’s coming from his employees in his new found office, Monkey Business. It isn’t like any office you’d have seen before. It isn’t dull and far from bland. This is the most fun office with the strangest array of staff you’re likely to come across. The business is serious, but this is Monkey Business after all anything can happen with the departments you would expect in an office, but with unconventional staff.

Meet a monkey in management ready to do a presentation like you’ve never seen before, a dog on reception, an old man called boring John in finance, a squeaky mouse from IT department, are his employees and its the law to wear a tie. This brings on lots of humour at different levels, so he well and truly is aiming at both kids and adults rather skillfully. There is also a fun game that every audience member participated in. There wasn’t anyone who didn’t look like they were having fun on some level.

It is refreshing that this truly is for many ages with the jokes on-point for the entire audience demographic.

As for his, now rare, art form of ventriloquism, he has nailed it! Watching incredibly closely and could not see his mouth move and each word was audible, clear and easy to understand.

The “employees” in this office are also the kids, those who want to join in. The adults also have a few jobs to do. What is a thoughtful touch is the gifts handed out to participants. There’s also a fun craft done on stage, along with a randomly chosen child. For all the kids, bubbles magically appear.

I think it’s worth pointing out, Max Fulham truly ensures his Monkey Business “employees” are comfortable and having a good experience, especially those junior human ones who join him on stage.

With a whole lot of monkeying around and exceptional skills this is one all the family can truly enjoy.

You can catch Max Fulham’s Monkey Business at:
Dining Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot
11:50 – 12:50

Check out more here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/max-fulham-s-monkey-business

There is also an adult show called Memory Foam, that’s also worth checking out.