In this episode Danny is joined by writer, musician, author, playwright and comedian John Dowie. One of only a handful of comedians who are genuinely original, John has been described as "the most influential comic you've never heard of." During a remarkable career, he's opened for Black Sabbath, toured with Victoria Wood, and has been recorded on vinyl alongside Joy Division. He was doing alternative comedy before alternative comedy existed.
John has worked with dozens of comics and actors including Bill Nighy, Tony Allen, Rory Bremner, Jim Sweeney, Steve Steen and many more. He shares some great stories and his most recent book, "Before I Go", is available here.
https://poniesandhorsesbooks.com/product/before-i-go/
If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
One of John´s earliest comedy influencers was Ken Dodd, who was bought into his school to do a talk on not smoking and ended up doing an hour of stand up.
John entered the comedy circuit at a time when the industry was dying because of TV.
John gave up stand-up so he could see more of his children.
The show John is most proud of is Dogman, which he wrote for children.
Alexi Sayle was like the comedy equivalent of the Sex Pistols.
John shares why so many comedians’ relationships break down.
BEST MOMENTS
“Only a very small percentage of comedy is genuinely original, and John is part of that very small percentage.”
“Is there anything you can’t do – “making money” .”
“I learned to play the piano the way you would learn to play a typewriter.”
“I decided to forget about the marriage experience and concentrate on becoming an alcoholic.”
“It was the only show where my ego did not come on stage with me.”
“Jim Sweeney and Steve Steen are the best improvised comedy performers you'll ever see in England.”
“I am not buying green bananas anymore.”
“My lung condition makes it difficult to speak at length.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://x.com/dowiejohn
Dogman book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dogman-Comedy-Musical-Story-Children/dp/B002SQ48AW
John´s other books - https://poniesandhorsesbooks.com/shop
HOST BIO
Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.
CONTACT AND SOCIALS
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https://twitter.com/dannyhurst
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/