Interview with Harriet Braine
CB: What is your show about?
JM: My show started out being about how working and lower class people are overlooked and not given a chance in this industry. It seems to have evolved into a show about working and lower class people not being given a chance in society though. If the subject matter seems intense it also has jokes about booze, films and the band KISS.
CB: Why did you want to write this show?
JM: The lower class of the country don’t have a voice. I should know, I’m one of them, an utter scumbag if you will. Where are the working class people on TV that aren’t on a soap, being seen as a scrounger or shouting a catchphrase? I thought I’d have a look. Plus by using the above subject matter I can call the TV execs classist if they don’t give me my own show off the back of it.
CB: What comedians and comedy writers have impacted the way you develop your show structures and material?
JM: My favourite comedians include Alun Cochrane, James Acaster, Pajama Men, and The League of Gentlemen. I’ve also been very lucky in that I’ve already had the opportunity to write shows with the rest of Gein’s Family Giftshop and Funz and Gamez.
CB: What is your advice for new comedians and writers who want to write their first show?
JM: Work really hard. You will be rubbish at first and that’s fine. Gig multiple times a week, go to Edinburgh for the full run before doing an hour (package shows or running a show with mates) to get a feel for it. Ask advice. I did all of the above and I am at least 8% less shit than when I started out.
James Meehan will perform his new show Class Act at the Edinburgh Festival. Tickets
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