John Cooper, Comedian and improviser

I’m chuffed to bursting to reveal I’ve been chosen to speak at TEDx Warrington 2022…and it’s only a week away!

It’s such a relief to let the get out of the bag, as I’ve been sitting on this info and rehearsing for the last two months.

Not only that, but this particular inaugural TEDx in Warrington was intended to go ahead in 2020, and we all know what happened there.

I submitted my idea in 2019 and then resubmitted again in 2022 when the doors reopened.

It’s been fascinating watching the other speakers in rehearsals, the diverse topics and of course, I can’t reveal ANYTHING AT ALL.… Continue Reading

The live gig scene feels very different in 2022.

A lot has changed since 2019 and as the UK adapts, my priorities have changed a little too. With the current cost of living crisis and high fuel prices, the idea of driving long distances every weekend has become very challenging.

During the pandemic, a lot of comedy friends took on second jobs out of practicality. A year later some have stayed in those jobs, preferring the security, and treating stand-up as a professional second income. It might be my age that’s changed my view, but it makes sense. One circuit comedian recently suggested on message boards that live gig promoters should try and book local where they can, in order to help the financial situation, and reduce travel costs, which again makes sense, and it’s good for the environment too.… Continue Reading