In this engaging chat, comedian and author Jenny Eclair delves into her witty autobiography, "Jokes, Jokes, Jokes." She shares insights on maintaining a long-standing career in comedy, reflecting on envy and personal transformations with age. Jenny candidly discusses the challenges of being a comedian, including her feelings of fraudulence after winning the Perrier award and the bittersweet realities of life and loss as she navigates becoming an orphan in her sixties. Plus, hear amusing anecdotes about her time in the 1980s comedy scene!
Jenny Eclair discusses the importance of self-awareness in navigating a long comedy career and the challenges of public perception.
The conversation highlights how aging influences personal and professional priorities, shifting definitions of success, and embracing life's joys beyond work.
Eclair's memoir intertwines humor with personal narratives of family and loss, reflecting the universal human experience through resilience and storytelling.
Deep dives
Upcoming Comedy Events
Two additional Rahula Stuppers are set to take place in 2024 at the Leicester Square Theatre on November 18th, featuring guests Andy Zaltzman and Poppy Hillstead. The speaker encourages fans to see Poppy live, noting her brilliance and hinting at the outrageous nature of their previous podcast collaboration. Additionally, there is a performance scheduled for November 25th with Chesney Hawks, alongside more dates to be announced for the following year. Fans are encouraged to visit richardherring.com for ticket availability, especially as a holiday gift option.
The Importance of Support
The speaker emphasizes the value of listener support in sustaining the podcast and live performances, indicating that ongoing engagement is vital for the continuation of the series. They express gratitude to the audience, suggesting that simply tuning in and spreading the word to friends makes a significant impact. There is an acknowledgment of the uncertainty in the longevity of the project, underscoring that listener interest directly influences its future. This creates a community between the creator and the audience, fostering mutual appreciation.
Insights on Comedy and Writing
During a discussion with guest Jenny Clare about her memoir, the nuances of a comedian's autobiography come to the forefront, especially the importance of self-awareness in recounting one’s career journey. Jenny shares her struggles in balancing self-perception with the public's view, highlighting the necessity of revealing honesty while avoiding delusion. The conversation touches on how fluctuating fame levels and the passage of time can affect a comedian's narrative and credibility. Overall, insight into the challenges and triumphs of the comedy writing process is shared.
Reflections on Aging and Career Changes
Both the speaker and Jenny Clare reflect on aging and the impact it has on their personal and professional lives, acknowledging the need to shift priorities as they grow older. The discussion focuses on the evolving definition of success and the importance of enjoying life outside of work commitments. There is also a candid conversation about reevaluating the types of projects they engage with and the freedom that comes with age; the speaker expresses a desire to say 'no' to less meaningful opportunities. This exploration allows them to focus more on what they truly value in their later years.
Cherished Memories and Life Lessons
Jenny Clare's book, which intertwines comedy with personal experiences, serves as a reflective piece on her life's journey, including themes of family and loss. The discussion touches on her upbringing and how her parents’ ordinary lives shaped her perspective and values, enriching her storytelling. As she navigates memories of happiness and sorrow, the narratives aim to resonate with readers facing their own familial and existential challenges. This delicate balance showcases the broader human experience through the lens of humor and resilience.
Book Club #117 - Jokes Jokes Jokes - Richard talks to old Edinburgh flatmate Jenny Eclair about her cut-above-the-rest autobiography, Jokes, Jokes, Jokes. They discuss how you maintain a career in their weird business over several decades, the envy and bitterness that can eat you up, how getting older changes your priorities, how little either of them remember about Jenny Eclair Squats, how winning the Perrier award left Jenny feeling like a fraud, appearing (though not) in the Karma Chameleon video, being mistaken for Su Pollard, who really came up with the girl that smelled of spam and coping with death and becoming an orphan in your sixties and the lives of the aunts and uncles from the 1950s.