A RICH COMIC LIFE PODCAST

EPISODE 182: JACK GLEADOW

Jack Gleadow from Hull is an acclaimed comedian, celebrated for his energetic and engaging performances that combine physical humour, sharp storytelling, music and audience participation. His mix of traditional variety and modern stand-up has established him as a standout talent in today’s comedy scene.

I have Gleadow’s work-in-progress solo show Master of Fun at the Leicester Comedy Festival in 2020 and as a guest at The Comedy Store in London in 2025.  I have also been a guest judge with him twice for the Hull Whats On New Comedian of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Jack Gleadow’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/02/16/jack-gleadow/

Jack Gleadow links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackgleadow/

EPISODE 181: MITCH BENN

Mitch Benn is a highly regarded English comedian, author and musician whose career spans several decades. Renowned for his sharp wit and incisive humour, he has made a significant mark on the British comedy scene, particularly through his expertly crafted satirical songs. Beyond his musical prowess, Benn is celebrated as a long-standing contributor to BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme, The Now Show, where his clever commentary and memorable performances have garnered him a loyal following. He has also published several books and frequently appears at live events and festivals, solidifying his reputation as an influential and versatile figure in contemporary British entertainment.

I have seen Benn perform for The Now Show Live at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2006, recordings of The Now Show from 2007 to 2011, The Stephen K Amos Talk Show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014, Monty Python’s Book Shambles at the Bristol Slapstick Festival in 2023, Sofa So Funny! in London in 2024 and 2025 and 101 Rules For A Better World (By Comedians) in London in 2025.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Mitch Benn’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/09/06/mitch-benn/

Mitch Benn website: www.mitchbenn.com

EPISODE 180: JACK MCLEAN

Hailing from Yorkshire, Jack McLean is an acclaimed comedian who has rapidly made a name for himself on the comedy scene. He clinched the Hull What’s On New Comedian of The Year award in 2022 and marked his television debut as a Semi-Finalist in the BBC New Comedy Awards 2023. Known for his sharp wit and engaging, conversational delivery, Jack also penned and featured in the podcast Sunnier Climes – The Celebrity Care Home in 2026.

I have seen McLean perform at the Humber Comedy Festival in 2023, the Hull What’s On Comedian of The Year 2023 (as the guest act), the Hull Comedy Festival presents Live at Connexin with Chris Ramsey and Friends, and his first solo show, Insincerely Yours at the Hull Comedy Festival in 2025.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Jack McLean’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2021/01/31/andy-askins/

Jack McLean links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackmcleancomedy/

EPISODE 179: ANDY ASKINS

Andy Askins is a talented British comedian and musician celebrated for his darkly humorous songs, original material, and performances on stages around the world.

I have seen Askins as an online guest for Maureen Younger’s MY Comedy Chats in 2021, and at Headliners Comedy Club in Chiswick, London in 2024.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Andy Askins' blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2021/01/31/andy-askins/

Andy Askins' links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andyaskinscomedian/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/andyaskins/

Website: www.andyaskinscomedian.co.uk

 

EPISODE 178: FRAN GARRITY

Fran Garrity is a Northern stand-up comedian, known for his engaging and self-depreciating material.  He has been a finalist for the City Comedian of The Year, showcasing his talent and potential.  Garrity’s comedy often revolves around his Teesside heritage, delivering a realistic and hard-hitting hilarious performance that resounds with an audience.

I have seen Garrity perform his solo show, Say When? at the Hull Comedy Festival in 2024.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Fran Garrity’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2025/01/04/fran-garrity/

Fran Garrity’s links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fg_instafran2/

EPISODE 177: HANNAH MARGARET

Hannah Margaret is one of Yorkshire comedy’s fastest rising stars. The Hull Comedian of the Year 2023 and Yorkshire Comedy Awards Breakthrough Act Nominee has a very warm and endearing personality on stage and delivers razor-sharp relatable material which is hysterically funny.

I have seen Margaret perform at the Hull Comedy Festival in 2023, and her solo shows You OK, Han? In 2024 and Live. Laugh. Lurk. in 2025.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Hannah Margaret’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2023/12/17/hannah-margaret/

Hannah Margaret’s links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannahmaggie91/

 

 

EPISODE 176: DAVE CHAWNER

Dave Chawner is a touring stand-up comedian and presenter, regularly appearing at comedy clubs, festivals, and solo events throughout the UK. He has delivered six highly praised performances at the Edinburgh Fringe. Chawner’s unique style blends witty, offbeat humour with insights from his own life, often focusing on mental health and personal struggles, resulting in shows that are both amusing and insightful.

I have seen Chawner perform live at the at the Brighton Fringe in 2018, 2022, 2023 (performing his solo show 6 Steps to Success with the Award-Winning Dave Chawner), 2024 and 2025 (performing his solo show, Mental).

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Dave Chawner’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2018/05/13/dave-chawner/

Dave Chawner’s links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dave_chawner/

Website: www.davechawner.co.uk

 

EPISODE 175: ADAM BLOOM

Adam Bloom is a renowned British comedian and author. Over the years, he has been a regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival. In addition, he graced the Melbourne Comedy Festival in both 1999 and 2000, earning the Stella Artois award for his first visit. Bloom is also the creator and writer of three series of ‘The Problem with Adam Bloom’ for BBC Radio 4.

I have seen Bloom perform his solo show Look At Me Anybody! at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2007,  Banana Cabaret at The Bedford Arms in 2016, Arnold Brown’s 80^th Birthday Bash at The Comedy Store in London in 2016, Up The Creek Saturday Night Comedy in London in 2019, Collywobblers Comedy presents Sambrook’s Comedy in 2024 and Sofa So Funny! in Islington, London in 2024.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Adam Bloom’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2019/09/22/adam-bloom/

Adam Bloom’s links:

www.instagram.com/adambloomcomedy/

 

EPISODE 174: CARWYN BLAYNEY

Carwyn Blayney is a Welsh comedian and actor.  He has successfully reached the final of So You Think You’re Funny, supported comedian Elis James on tour and was runner-up in the 2023 Max Turner Award.  He has also contributed comedy writing to BBC Radio 4 and BBC Scotland. 

I have seen Hicks as a guest for Happy Mondays at The Amersham Arms in 2024 and for the Sofa So Funny! showcase in 2025.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Carwyn Blayney’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2024/08/18/carwyn-blaney/

Carwyn Blayney’s links:

www.instagram.com/carwynblayney/

 

EPISODE 173: RUSSELL HICKS

Russell Hicks stands out as one of Britain’s most quick-witted and dynamic comedians. Originally from America and now residing in London, he is celebrated for his energetic style and bold presence, as well as his remarkable skill in improvisation.

I have seen Hicks as a guest for Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of The Fringe at Edinburgh in 2017, Headliners Comedy Club in London in 2017 and 2020, Up The Creek Comedy Club in London in 2019, Collywobblers Comedy in London in 2024, and at the Hastings Comedy Festival in 2024.

Thank you so much for listening to my podcast, if you like what you hear, please subscribe and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please read Russell Hicks’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/01/12/russell-hicks/

Russell Hicks links:

Website: www.russellhicks.co.uk