A RICH COMIC LIFE PODCAST

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  

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 80th 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/  

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/  

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  

Richard Vranch has extensive experience both acting and writing across radio, television, and theatre, as well as performing as a stand-up comedian.  He is also known for creating improvised comedy with The Comedy Store Players.  His distinctive voice features in various commercials and documentary programmes. Holding a doctorate in physics, Vranch once hosted his own science series on Channel 4. He regularly appears on panel shows and podcasts, including in January 2026, A Rich Comic Life Blog & Podcast. I have seen Vranch perform improvisation every year from 2006 to 2019 for Paul Merton’s Impro Chums at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as numerous appearances at The Comedy Store in London for The Comedy Store Players.  I have also seen him perform stand up comedy for The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society (ACMS) in 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 Richard Vranch’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2019/08/27/richard-vranch/ Richard Vranch links: Website: www.richardvranch.com Website: www.comedystoreplayers.com

Phil Nice is an actor, comedian and writer, recognised for his television appearances in productions such as Inspector Morse (1987), Goodnight, Sweetheart (1993), Bonkers (2007), and Citizen Khan (2012). Within the comedy circuit, he has performed as a guest for The Comedy Store Players and is also noted for his collaborations with fellow comedian Arthur Smith, most recently with the show Oof! that was performed at the Hastings Comedy Festival in 2024, the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2024, and the Soho Theatre in London in April 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 Phil Nice’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2024/09/29/phil-nice/ Phil Nice links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nice.phil/  

Comedian Carl Carzana brings a refreshingly quirky perspective to everyday life, captivating audiences with his distinctive style and effortless charm. Since venturing into stand-up comedy, Carl has swiftly made his mark, achieving success with his talents in various comedy competitions. 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 Carl Carzana’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2024/01/14/carl-carzana/ Carl Carzana links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/CCarzana/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/carlcarzanathecomedian/ Website: www.carlcarzana.wixsite.com/carlcarzanacomedian/about

Christmas isn’t Christmas without Morecambe and Wise.  For over forty years, Eric and Ernie’s repeated showings every Christmas still draw big audiences for their series and specials, and they are as much a part of the festive season as Mince pies and Christmas cards. Now, following on from Episode 129 and for the first time ever, Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary returns to A Rich Comic Life Blog and Podcast to talk much more about his father’s incredible story and the wonderful legacy of Morecambe and Wise – Britain’s favourite comedy double act. 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 Morecambe and Wise’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/the-ones-that-got-away/ Morecambe and Wise links: Website: http://www.morecambeandwise.com/ For Part 1 of Gary’s interview on A Rich Comic Life Blog and Podcast: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2024/09/15/episode-129-gary-morecambe/                        

In this episode, I talk to the wonderful comedian, MATT GREEN Green is an actor, writer and comedian and boasts a wealth of experience in comedy, having launched his career in 2003 and performed for more than twenty years. He has graced a range of venues and festivals nationwide, notably making appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe. Renowned for his lively delivery, Green’s performances blend sharp observational humour with topical material. His talents have earned him a nomination for Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival. I have seen Green MC for Always Be Comedy in London in 2019 and perform at Gits and Shiggles Comedy Club in London in 2022, as well as a work in progress show at the Camden Fringe in 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 Matt Green’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2019/01/19/matt-green/ Matt Green’s links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattgreencomedy/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattgreencomedy/ Website: www.mattgreencomedy.com  

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, DON BISWAS. Biswas has become a familiar presence at comedy venues up and down the country, performing regularly at clubs across the UK.  His material covers an array of topics, drawing on his experiences growing up in an Asian household, as well as his personal journey with neurodiversity, including dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. His insightful and relatable comedy has earned him widespread respect throughout the circuit. I have seen Biswas perform for Save Live Comedy at London’s Clapham Grand online in 2020, Goldfinch Comedy Night at the Goldfinch pub, Tooting, London in 2023 and the Sofa So Funny! showcase in London also in 2023. 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 Don Biswas’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/08/18/don-biswas/ Don Biswas’s links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Don-Biswas/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/donbiswascomedy/ Website: www.donbiswascomedy.co.uk

In this episode, I talk to the wonderful comedian, JOZ NORRIS. Surreal British comedian, screenwriter and comic actor Norris is a regular for at the cult comedy night The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society in London and has appeared at various comedy festivals including Leicester and since 2012, Edinburgh.  His 2025 solo show You Wait, Time Passes has received critical acclaim. I have seen Norris perform wonderful sketches for The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society in London in 2020 and 2024 and as the film star Hugh Jackman as a guest for Late Night with Terry Wogan at the Edinburgh Fringe 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 Joz Norris’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/03/14/joz-norris/ Joz Norris’s links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/JozNorrisComedy Instagram: www.instagram.com/JozNorris/ Website: www.joznorris.co.uk  

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, BENJAMIN PATTERSON. Patterson has been performing his frequently silly and surreal jokes, routines and songs, and making audiences laugh for many years. I have seen Patterson compere two shows for Always Be Comedy in London in 2023 and perform at Outside The Box Comedy Club in Kingston 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 Benjamin Patterson’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2023/08/13/benjamin-patterson/ Benjamin Patterson’s links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealbenjaminpatterson/

In this episode, I talk to the legendary comedian, BOB BOYTON. Boyton was popular for his political viewpoint as a stand -up comedian in the 1980's.  He was one of the founding members of The Cutting Edge, a satirical comedy team that still plays at The Comedy Store in London every Tuesday to this day. He left comedy in the 1990s to become an author.  I watched Boyton pay a very funny tribute to his comic friend at Arnold Brown’s 80th Birthday Bash at The Comedy Store in London in 2016.  Brown played the infamous venue on its opening night in 1979 and at many of the early performances. 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 Bob Boyton’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/09/13/bob-boyton/  

In this episode, I talk to the wonderful comedian, PAULINE EYRE. Eyre is confident and very funny on stage, regularly making audiences laugh on the comedy circuit.  She has a very engaging presence and is extremely relatable.  She has performed two solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe: Body in 2024 and Anyone for Tennis in 2025. I have seen Eyre perform at the Funny Rabbit Comedy Club in Canterbury in 2023 and at Sofa So Funny! in London in 2024, as well as being a guest for 101 Rules for A Better World (By Comedians) at the Edinburgh Fringe 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 Pauline Eyre’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2023/11/15/pauline-eyre/ Pauline Eyre website: www.paulineeyre.co.uk/comedian/

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, ROSS SMITH. Smith is a very funny regular on the comedy circuit and has a very amiable and comfortable style on stage.  He has self-depreciative humour mixed with ingenious banter and is an excellent compere with a very easy-going style.  His debut Edinburgh show, I Am Ross Smith! Won acclaimed in 2018. I have seen Smith compere at Outside The Box Comedy Club in Kingston 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 nterview. Please read Ross Smith’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2024/06/09/ross-smith/ Ross Smith Link: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rosssmithcomedy/  

In this episode, I talk to the fantastic comedian, RHYS JAMES. James is a popular stand-up comedian who is a regular on the British comedy scene and was a regular guest on BBC TV’s Mock The Week, as well as Live At The Apollo.  He has also performed as part of the Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe, was a finalist in the Laughing Boy New Act Competition and was third in Comedy Central's Funniest Student.  His popular solo tours include Snitch in 2010, and Spilt Milk in 2023.  His book You’ll Like It When You Get There is to be published in August 2025. I have also seen James at Headliners Comedy Club in London in 2019, and for the Edinburgh Comedy Allstars at The Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, as well as the Greenwich Comedy Festival in London in 2020. I have also seen him live at least once a year at Always Be Comedy in London from 2016 to 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 Rhys James’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2020/04/09/rhys-james/ Rhys James Links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rhysjamesy/   Website: www.rhysjames.co.uk

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, DAN ANTOPOLSKI Actor, writer and British comedian, Antopolski won the BBC New Comedy Award in 1998, and won the Dave Best Joke of the Fringe at the Edinburgh Festival in 2009.  He is a regular on the UK comedy circuit, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has also appeared at international comedy festivals. I have seen Antopolski in London as a guest for Always Be Comedy in 2018 and at The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society (ACMS) 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 Dan Antopolski’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2018/03/23/dan-antopolski/ Dan Antopolski Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/danantopolski/ X (Twitter): www.x.com/danantopolski Instagram: www.instagram.com/dan_antopolski/  

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, DANIEL HARDING. Winner of the Newcomer of the Year award at the Hastings Comedy Festival in 2023, and then creating his first solo show in 2024, which he took around festivals and fringe’s, Harding is a naturally funny comedy and highly recommended. I have seen Harding perform and win the Noman New Comedian of The Year Award at Hastings Comedy Festival in 2023 (where I was a judge), and then again at Hastings in 2024 for his show Fierce Potato. 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 Daniel Harding’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2023/06/25/dan-harding/ Daniel Harding’s Links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/danharding_comedy/  

In this episode, I talk to the wonderful comedian, SAMANTHA DAY. Day is a comedian who transitioned from a career in accountancy to stand-up comedy.  Her comedy career began six years ago, and she has quickly made a name for herself on the comedy circuit, winning numerous awards, including most recently the Leicester Comedy Festival Silver Stand Up Award in 2025. She has delivered the solo show, The Generations Game in 2024 and her new show, The Great British Menu of (Petty) Complaints, is at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025. I have seen Day live for Tickled Pink: Supporting Women in Comedy at 21 Soho, London in 2022. 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 Samantha Day’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2022/09/24/samantha-day/ Samantha Day’s Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/samanthadaytime Instagram: www.instagram.com/samanthadaytime/ Website: www.samanthadaytime.com

In this episode, I talk to the great comedian, JACK HESTER. Hester is a very energetic Irish comedian who is a regular on the UK comedy circuit.  In 2023, he was a British Comedian of the Year finalist. I have seen Hester live at Monkey Business Comedy Club in London and his solo show, I am Napoleon at the Hastings Comedy Festival both in 2022, and the British Comedian of The Year at The Comedy Store in London in 2023. 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 Hester’s blog at: www.arichcomiclife.blog/2022/04/03/jack-hester/ Jack Hester’s Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Hester-Comedian/100094768945521/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/comedian.jack.hester/ Website: www.jack-hester.com