So this is 50. And this post is indulgent 😉

Here are some cracking new photos by the brilliant Fiona Finchett, taken at GRIT Art Studio. I spend so much time looking forward that I wanted to reflect on what and who got me to where I am now. I also wanted a new portrait, to tell the story and mark my half-century.

My twenties were all about trying to become a comic book artist. My thirties were all about becoming a stand-up comedian and my forties a rollercoaster of creative activity. The pandemic helped sort through my priorities and come full circle. Now I draw and perform, sometimes simultaneously.

Earlier this year I retired Danny Pensive, the comedy character I'd performed as for around 15 years. Gigging as Danny was one of the high points of my comedy career, but I do feel as though I now have a much better life-work balance.

I've been searching for a quote by comedian and TV producer Jimmy Mulville about "doing your best working your 50's". The general jist is who you by now who are and what you're good at and have the skills to make it happen. That's where I feel right now.

I've built up quite a body of work. The illustration is physical, I can see how I've developed over time. The comedy side is a little trickier to reflect on. I've plethora of photos and videos from when I started in the days before social media, but comedy is more ephemeral, an intangible thing that happens in a room. Oh the memories.

Joining GRIT art studio in late 2023 is perfectly timed. Joining a community of folks making great work. I even host an event for artists, in the same way I used to run comedy nights.

I'm excited for the new opportunities, and being in Manchester right now feels like a brilliant space for creative minds. Loads going on, and if I can be part of it, and make a mark on it, then that is time very well spent.

John,
November 2024

It's been 20 years since I first went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004. For a lot of those years I've performed with Comedysportz. In the early years we played in small rooms to a dozen people, and even though I joke that performing at the Edinburgh fringe is the 'longest return on investment ever' (I'm not sure that's true), it's been amazing since the festival recovered from the pandemic (2020-21) to be playing to full rooms and be in two shows. Not all performers get to do that, such are the highs and lows of the fringe.

More 'Yes and'

Something I've noticed in the last few years is the increase in improvised shows. It's nothing new, and perhaps there's even a bit of cognitive bias here, but it seems more popular than ever. Competition? That's just the nature of the fest, and with so many different formats and themes, from musicals to murder mystery, folk horror and burlesque, there was plenty to choose from.

I hope the increase in improv shows will help raise awareness of improv as a tool. It's not just for performers, it's something everyone can learn and engage with to build better conversations and relationships.

Were you at the Edinburgh Fringe this year? If you got a chance to see either Comedysportz or The Totally Improvised Musical, thanks for coming and supporting the show.

Do you need some improv in your life?

From fun sessions, to specially developed presentation skills and team building, get in touch to find out more.

Photos by Brainne Edge.