The Quantum Leopard Podcast

John Robertson is the closest you'll get to watching a catastrophic weather event without risk to your personal safety. Creator of award-winning show The Dark Room and a superb improv comic, John walks that knife edge of high intensity, high energy crowd work without falling into the lazy trap of biting the hand that claps. Alongside an absolute blinder of a headline set, John talks with host and MC James Ross about The Dark Room, crowd work and being a labrador or golden retriever boyfriend. CW: The execution of the Romanovs if you're still sore about it; the execution of the CEO of United Healthcare if you're sore about that at all; passing mentions of dementia; passing mentions of suicide  If you'd like to see more from John you can find his website HERE with links to The Dark Room and John Robertson Plays with the Audience - both shows touring now! On a personal note, I'd highly recommend his book The Little Town of Marrowville - it's really very good for the nerdy goth in your life. Do you want to see how much John looks like Rik Mayall? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Emily Bampton is glorious. An elite champion of champion on the QL stage, she performs with incredible energy while chronically oversharing. Alongside a wonderful set, Emily talks with host and MC James Ross about race, boys and the cyclical MLM scheme that is incel culture. CW: Incels, experience of racism. If you'd like to see more from Emily you can find her Instagram HERE and her website HERE with links to upcoming gigs and videos. If you'd like to contact Emily about dating her brother I can't stop you. Do you want to see how London looks good on Emily? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Heidi Regan is a wonder. If you haven't had a chance to see her, by all means find one! She is a writerly comic, but not the typical one-line merchant that normally describes. She is by turns surreal and tangential, but an absolute master of narrative craft. Alongside an incredible set, Heidi talks with host and MC James Ross about rebellious wombs, the death of God and just the right amount of D&D.  CW: Fertility, endometriosis & experience of homophobia. Also explaining that Santa isn't real. If you'd like to see more from Heidi you can follow her social media links HERE or if you'd like to hear more from Heidi in a podcast format, you can listen to the wonderful There Will Be Film HERE. Do you want to see Heidi's flawless impression of her wife (who is a woman)? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Mark Cram is the best kind of comic, giving every ounce of charisma to the audience then pulling the whole crowd along on a beautiful narrative ride with so much energy, heart and sincerity. Alongside an absolute belter of a set, Mark talks with host and MC James Ross about the interplay of high and low status on stage, audience interaction and how the truth can be funny, poetic and memorable. Editor's Note: Mark's audio was completely corrupted for this one so I had to pull it from the call between James & Mark, apologies for the quality. The content, though, is still very good! CW: Street Violence, experience of sexual harassment & experience of homophobia If you'd like to see more from Mark he runs the fantastic LGBT+ night Laugh Out Proud, and find him on social media HERE Do you want to see Mark do a spot on impression of one half of a horse costume? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Sweet Potato Jam! Sam Nicoresti is incredible! Not only an incredibly adept wordsmith, but the combination of writerly surrealism, witty whimsy and so much sincerity that makes them an absolute delight to watch on the QL stage! Alongside a superb set, Sam talks with host and MC James Ross about gender journeys, cancel culture and QL's run in with Joe Rogan. Editor's Note: Not going to lie, I am delighted by this episode. I have listened to it a lot but each time there's more to hear and more to think about. I love this episode. No issues at all, just wanted to draw this to people's attention. It's great. CW: Just so much gender! Right wing radicalisation If you'd like to see more from Sam you can watch their spectacular show Wokeflake HERE or, for anything else, you can find out details on their website HERE. Do you want to see a child look like they've been haggard by time? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

James O'Donoghue is a delightful comedian. The kind of angry that blends with whimsy, energy and care that works a treat for the QL audience.  Alongside a superb set, James talks with host and MC James Ross about non-binary identities, the misconceptions of casting directors and being an angry Marxist who'd still do an advert. CW: Experiences of homophobia, Donald Trump Editor's note: Ok... so this was recorded waaaaay back when we all had at least a modicum of hope. So there is discussion and speculation about the events that have since become much worse. Definitely worth a listen, even through rose-tinted earphones. If you'd like to see more from James, they've got some fantastic work out there, for the social-minded they are HERE and if you haven't cast your pods enough they have the glorious Comedy Quiz podcast Is This Enough? Do you want to see James look like a Camp David Lynch? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Jonny Collins is a glorious comedian whose boundless energy is a joy to behold, exploring the fallacies of gender through the lense of their own experience with an absurdist bent. She's the fantastic host of Blizzard Comedy, very much the spiritual Northern sibling to our dear QL, and also a QL competition winner from back in the day!     Alongside a superb set, Jonny talks with host and MC James Ross about gender, the fetishisation of trans bodies and 9/11. CWs: Experiences of Gender dysphoria, 9/11 EDIT NOTE: Ok, the crowd sound kind of weird during the live set as there was the loudest fan in existence running throughout. I've done what I can to clean it up and make sure you can hear Jonny. If you're unsure of what the QL audience sound like you can go to a stony beach and listen to the tide hit against the pebbles. It's like that but with laughs. If you'd like to see more from Jonny, as mentioned earlier you can check out Blizzard Comedy if you're in the Manchester area or you can check out their social media HERE. Do you want to see Jonny's style tribute to Joan Jett? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Olga Koch is a massively accomplished performer and an absolute champion of the comedy world, appearing on (among others) Live at the Apollo, QI, Mock the Week and, even more prestigious, was the first QL Champion of Champions! Alongside a phenomenal set, Olga talks with host and MC James Ross about parasocial relationships, the fallacy of Generative AI and Magic Mike. CWs: Cancer, Slut Shaming and STIs If you'd like to see more from Olga you can find her current tour dates for Olga Koch Comes from Money and details of her other work HERE, or follow her on social media HERE.    Do you want to see Olga Koch be an absolute rawdogging champ? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Will Owen is exactly the kind of camp comic genius that goes down an absolute treat at QL. Playful, arch and a wonderful way to open any comedy night. Alongside a fantastic set, Will talks with host and MC James Ross about queer archetypes, coming out and perpetually single friends. If you'd like to see more of Will you can get tickets to his Soho Theatre show Like, Nobody's Watching HERE - you can also find him on social mediums HERE. Do you want to see Will be the perfect acid bitch? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Sian Davies is an award-winning, working-class comic and an absolute legend. A wonderful writer, witty as hell and an incredible storyteller, exactly the type of comedian that thrives with a QL audience. Alongside her brilliant set, Sian talks with host and MC James Ross about class, Big Dad Energy and the relative intelligence of her male cousins.   CW: Experiences of queerphobia If you'd like to hear more from Sian, you can find her social media HERE, her website HERE, and her special "About Time" HERE. As well as being the wonder you hear here, Sian also founded and works with Best In Class, delivering training, building resources and forming a community for working class comedians, working to remove class, money and social status as barriers to performing. To see more of their incredible work you can check them out HERE. Do you want to see Sian be a lesbian Morrisey, but without being evil? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Andy Barr would be Byronic if Byron weren't an absolute nightmare and wore more interesting shirts. The tragic clown, a master of turns of phrase and void-staring. I wish I could describe him better but the fact is I'm not as good at describing Andy Barr as Andy Barr would be because he's amazing. Alongside a superb set, Andy talks to host and MC James Ross about mental health, the 3 Act Structure of sets and just checking in on whether he's ok. CW: Alcoholism, Depression If you'd like to have more of Andy in your ears and eyes, you can find his website HERE, or listen to his (and other wonderful comedian Alexander Bennet's) superb podcast Born Yesterday HERE. Do you want to see Andy's incredible shirt? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Richard Todd is a superb comic to watch - thoughtful, chaotic, just as at home with the surreal and the observed. It really is a treat to have him on at QL. Alongside an absolute blinder of a set, Richard also talks with host and MC James Ross about his previous wins, absurdism and grans. If you'd like to see more of Richard and his art, you can find his website HERE, or follow him on a social medium HERE. EDITORS NOTE: Our most eagle-eared patron Jenny was the first to spot the mistake on this episode: I uploaded the wrong set! Congratulations, Jenny, you have won 25 QL Points, which are utterly meaningless until they become a de facto currency to prove your worthiness to guard the water compound. Well done, Jenny, and sorry everyone else! The correct set is now on this episode. Also, I had a chance to rejig some of the audio. There are still pops and clicks, but fewer than there were before. Enjoy!  Do you want to see what someone who just wandered in looks like? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Sikisa is one of the absolute wonders of the current stand-up scene - as at home on Live at the Apollo as the equally prestigious Quantum Leopard! And alongside this absolutely wonderful set, she also talks with host and MC James Ross about immigration law and getting some dick. CWs: Experiences of racism, violence against women, consent issues genitals and experience of sexual harassment. If you'd like to see more from Sikisa you can find her website with more details HERE, or on if you'd like to hear more from her, she hosts the wonderful podcast Wrestle Club UK HEAR. Do you want to see Sikisa's flawless impression of a 3am Cornish Pasty craving? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Bobbie Jones is a superb queer comedian & writer, wielding a turn of phrase like a falchion of fun, and alongside a wonderful QL set she talks with host and MC James Ross about shaved tits, the Megabus and how pain is not the root of all creativity. If you'd like to see more from Bobbie, she regularly performs with QL's Northern sibling Blizzard Comedy (they're taking a brief hiatus at the moment, but you can catch loads of their content HERE) or you can find her on TikTok HERE - very fun if you're into Zelda and/or Björk. EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately Bobbie's audio wasn't great, so I had to piece it together a bit more diligently than usual. Mostly successful but there are a few points here and there where it's a bit... crunchy. My apologies! Do you want to see Bobbie whip a study out of thin air? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ojha Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Nick Elleray is the kind of comedian, writer and glorious human who makes a QL night a sheer delight. He also makes it really hard to write a blurb that doesn't involve cliches like "wry humour" and "keen observations" but frankly... yeah. Alongside an absolutely blinding set, he also talks to host and MC James Ross about aging, love and Hastings. If you want to see more from Nick, his website is HERE with details about his upcoming tour dates! Ooooooh. Do you want to see what Nick looks like when he's "filming a Tik Tok"? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Sarah Griffin Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Athena Kugblenu is a glorious writer, stand up and voice over artist. A self-confessed star of Radio 4 and Mock the Week (twice). Here she delivers a superb set on race, meat-za and the upper class roots of Slipknot, then talks with host and MC James Ross about, amongst other things, the scapegoating of the working class and the quality of fish fingers. If you'd like to see more from Athena, her website is HERE, with links to her podcasts, live shows and various other social media. CW: Colonialism, Classism and R Kelly Do you want to see what's going on in the first few seconds of silence in this exclusively audio medium? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ohja Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Alex Bertulis-Fernandes is an exceptional writer and comedian, equally at home with a one-liner or a thoughtful long build-up and the superb set performed at QL, crafted to absolute perfection, reflects this. She also talks with host and MC James Ross about the damaging aspects of self-deprecation, how mental health material resonates with audiences, and society at large. An incredible set, a wonderful interview and something well worth a listen. If you want to find out more from Alex she can be found HERE and more links available HERE. CW: Experience of mental illness, death of a parent, passing mention of sex offenders, brief mention of disordered eating. EDITOR'S NOTE: James is such a attractive comedy presence that microphones everywhere attempt to pick him up. This interview is no exception, Alex's mic picks up James' side quite a lot, I've done what I can to balance it out but it sounds a little weird at times - apologies! Do you want to witness this set in all its glory? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ohja Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Absolute master of the one liner and joyful player of words, Adele Cliff is an absolute wonder and a delight to have on the QL stage. Alongside an incredible live set, Adele also talks with host & MC James Ross about one liners, strong reactions and geese. CW: Swan violence, I suppose? If you want to find out more from Adele: good luck! She is terrifyingly difficult to track down online and so you'll have to look on various festival websites, go attend live comedy and hope.  Want to see someone throwing rocks at the most beautiful lake? Then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Aniruddh Ohja Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Goth wonder Katie Mitchell is the working-class, joyful and whimsical comedian that we are honoured to have grace us from the wilds of Nottingham. Alongside a superb live set, Katie also talks with host & MC James Ross about goth lesbianism, joke construction and sexy typewriters,  CW: Experience of homophobia To find out more about Katie, her website is HERE, and you can follow her on Instagram HERE, and any other links - including video of her wonderful QL set - can be found HERE! If you'd like to see how a Straight Ally Friend (TM) looks then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Matt Highton Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)

Shelf are a musical, stand-up & sketch comedy duo comprising of Rachel WD and Ruby Clyde. I cannot do them justice in words to describe how brilliant they are. Along with an wonderful set, Rachel & Ruby talk with host & MC James Ross about playfulness in gender, gigging for kids and bin material. CWs: Experience of homophobia, misgendering, catcalling, drugs If you would like to see more of Shelf, they are founding members of LOL Word, and have performed with Comedy Club 4 Kids and are currently on tour!! More info can be found HERE  If you'd like to see why Shelf look like a pair of teen detectives then consider joining our Patreon where you can get early access to podcast episodes and watch full videos of Quantum Leopard comedy shows, from the high-energy openers to the loveliest of headliners, including the set from this very episode! Quantum Leopard is a lovely comedy night for lovely people and you can find more links to info about us here: https://linktr.ee/quantumleopard   Edited by Rhys Lawton Original show recording by Julia Zack Music is by ROOKES production services (https://www.iamrookes.com/)