In this episode, stand-up comedian James Acaster, known for his Off Menu podcast, shares his comedic journey and reflections on Hollywood. He discusses his new special 'Hecklers Welcome' and the challenges of live comedy, including handling hecklers. James also reveals the surreal experience of being in Ghostbusters and amusing anecdotes about his mother's bat rescue adventures. With humor at the forefront, the conversation touches on the absurdities of life, celebrity interactions, and the joy of creating art.
James Acaster emphasizes audience interaction in his tour 'Hecklers Welcome,' aiming to enhance spontaneity and enjoyment in stand-up comedy.
Richard Herring shares a humorous anecdote about his annoying smoke alarm, highlighting the unpredictable challenges of everyday life.
Acaster discusses his unexpected casting in a Ghostbusters film, revealing the surprising nature of competitive auditions in the acting world.
Deep dives
Upcoming Live Shows
The episode highlights an upcoming live performance scheduled for November 25th at the Leicester Square Theatre, featuring guests Chesney Hawks and Edinburgh Comedy Prize winner Amy Gledhill. The host emphasizes the significance of attendance for the show's future, hinting at the possibility of extending the live podcast run based on audience turnout. Information about future performances in London and an upcoming tour titled 'Can I Have My Ball Back?' was shared, framing it as an ideal Christmas gift for fans or as a humorous prank for those who dislike the theme. The host urges listeners to purchase tickets, underscoring the importance of support for the longevity of the live shows.
A Comedic Take on Daily Life
A humorous anecdote about a smoke alarm in the host's new office unfolds as he details a series of comical frustrations. After several attempts to fix the incessant beeping, including changing batteries and turning off fuses, the source of the noise is ultimately revealed to be a carbon monoxide detector which had been mistakenly left by a workman. The host navigates through the absurdity of his situation, capturing the essence of a sitcom moment. This narrative serves as a light-hearted reflection on life's often unpredictable challenges.
James Acaster's Career Reflections
The guest, James Acaster, discusses his journey in stand-up comedy, mentioning previous phases of doubt and struggles with enjoyment in his performances. He reflects on the importance of acknowledging one's audience and the unavoidable presence of non-fans during shows. Acaster reveals that his latest tour, 'Heckler's Welcome,' invites audience interaction, allowing for a more engaging and spontaneous experience. This tour marks a turning point for him, as he seeks to dismantle the self-imposed barriers to enjoying his craft.
The Creative Process Behind Heckler's Welcome
Acaster elaborates on the experimental nature of his tour, which incorporated audience heckling as a fundamental element of the experience. He describes how this approach evolved throughout the shows, occasionally resulting in chaotic but entertaining interactions. The freedom given to audiences not only enhanced the show's unpredictability but also demanded Acaster to adjust his performance style in real time. Despite moments of tension, he finds joy in the spontaneity as it allows him to connect authentically with his audience.
On Celebrity Encounters and New Projects
The conversation takes an intriguing turn with Acaster discussing his unexpected role in a Ghostbusters film, revealing his surprise at landing the part through a competitive audition process. The guest shares a funny anecdote about the challenges of improvisation during auditions, noting how he felt unprepared for the demands of the role. Furthermore, he touches on a new adventurous audio project titled 'Springleaf,' which combines crime and comedy, reflecting his creative ambitions beyond stand-up. This projects not only showcases his versatility but also his desire to push boundaries within the entertainment industry.
#539 Did You See Me in Ghostbusters? - Richard has been haunted by his smoke alarm. His guest is movie star James Acaster. They talk about his new Sky 1 special “Hecklers Welcome”, revitalising the love of stand up and spinning wheel based trauma, the surprise of being in the latest Ghostbusters film and how Rich plans to trump this, some of the secrets behind Celebrity Hunted (one of which was too juicy to share - come and see the show live), why James is not scared of bats, Springleaf, Party Gator and telling Bill Murray about the Bill Murray pub.
Watch James’ special on Sky Comedy from December 10th and look out for the couple that leave.