Fred MacAulay, a legendary broadcaster and comedian, shares his journey from accountancy to the spotlight, recounting early comedy experiences and the vibrant Glasgow scene. He reflects on family life and the temptations of the comedy world, humorously revealing why he skipped post-show parties for diaper duty. Fred recalls scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, his abrupt radio show departure, and the humor in a health check-up. Touching on iconic figures like Billy Connolly and his amusing anecdotes, Fred showcases the trials and joys of life as a comedian.
Fred MacAulay discusses his transition from accountancy to stand-up comedy, highlighting the importance of following one's passion despite risks.
The podcast explores how personal experiences significantly shape comedic narratives, emphasizing the relatability of humor derived from family and health challenges.
Deep dives
Upcoming Live Events
The podcast highlights an array of upcoming live events where fans can engage with the hosts and notable guests. This includes a performance in Birmingham with actors Ruth Hesko and Josh Pugh, inviting local fans to attend and support. Additionally, there’s a London show scheduled with guest Ivo Graham, along with an intriguing promise of a surprise guest that adds an element of excitement to the event. Audience encouragement is prevalent, emphasizing the importance of community support to ensure successful shows.
The Influence of Glasgow on Comedy
The conversation delves into the host's admiration for Glasgow, acknowledging the city's rich cultural history and how its unique vibe fosters a distinct sense of humor. While reflecting on the city's comedic nature, there is an acknowledgment of its challenges—specifically the difficulty in finding material to poke fun at due to the city's general positive attributes. The host recounts how the history of Glasgow, particularly its founding by St. Mungo, intertwines with humor, showcasing the city's lineage and its vibrant spirit. This spirit is reflected in the camaraderie among comedians coming from Glasgow and the impact it has had on their careers.
Comedy Career Transition
The flow of conversation uniquely captures the journey of transitioning from a stable profession—like accountancy—to pursuing comedy full-time. One guest shares his experience of initially pursuing a career in accountancy to secure financial stability while nurturing a passion for entertainment. He recounts his decision to leave the corporate world for the unpredictability of stand-up comedy, a choice fueled by a desire for creative expression. The interview explores how this leap of faith reshaped their lives and careers in ways they had not anticipated.
Comedy and Personal Experiences
A significant portion of the podcast reflects on how personal experiences, such as family, relationships, and health issues, influence comedic material. The discussion touches on the balance between humor and serious topics, with an emphasis on the guest's family ties and their shouted experiences with health challenges, particularly prostate cancer. This connection to personal narratives enriches their performances, creating relatable comedy that resonates with audiences. The podcast showcases how personal stories and vulnerabilities can be harnessed effectively in stand-up routines, providing a deeper layer to the comedic experience.
#534 Keenan Wayans - Richard is in Glasgow and by the time you hear this he should have an exciting announcement about a new acting role, as long as he doesn’t blow it by getting angry and slagging the show off. His guest is legendary broadcaster and comedian Fred MacAulay. They chat about why he left the world of accountancy behind to become a stand-up, resisting the temptations of post gig debauchery to go home and change nappies, skiing with Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, how he felt when he was unceremoniously dumped from his long-running radio show, why he’s still gigging in his sixties, the only two words that Billy Connolly ever said to Fred and running naked through a field with Al Murray.