Out Of Character with Alex Lynch: Conversations with Sketch and Character Comedians
42 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -Award-winning writer Alex Lynch interviews some of the top writers and performers from the world of sketch and character comedy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Tom Basden
December 21, 2023 02:30 - 55 minutes - 127 MBIn our series finale, Alex chats to writer and actor Tom Basden (BBC’s ‘Here We Go’, Radio 4’s ‘Cowards’, ITV2’s ‘Plebs’) in his local cafe about his latest play adaptation, permutations of sketch shows, and writing a pandemic-based comedy. Tom also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 26th September 2022. Note: Please excuse the couple of moments where the mic cuts o...
Michelle Fahrenheim
December 14, 2023 02:30 - 1 hour - 137 MBMICHELLE FAHRENHEIM Alex chats to writer and actor Michelle Fahrenheim (BBC ‘Quickies’, The Free Association) – in person and in her podcast debut - about short films, Ships and starring in the first Instagram sitcom. Michelle also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 23rd August 2022. You can find more of Michelle’s work here… https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleFahre...
The Sugdens
December 07, 2023 00:01 - 1 hour - 143 MBAlex chats to his first guest duo in the form of writing and performing married couple, Chris and Jen Sugden, about making Victoriocity, slogging away at the Fringe, and improvising murder mysteries. Chris and Jen also create a character together on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to them by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 1st August 2022. Since the time of recording, release dates for projects discussed have shifted. Listen t...
Steve McNeil
November 30, 2023 09:25 - 1 hour - 146 MBAlex chats to writer, performer and Royal Institution regular, Steve McNeil (‘Wi-Fi Wars’, ‘Go 8-Bit’) about getting your live show made for TV, combining videogames and live audiences, and understudying Rik Mayall. Steve also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 15th July 2022. You can find more of Steve’s work here… https://www.stevemcneil.co.uk/ Insta: @stevefro...
Sooz Kempner
November 23, 2023 02:30 - 1 hour - 139 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Sooz Kempner (BBC’s ‘Doctor Who: Doomsday’) about the Royal Music Academy, Reply Guys, Richard Thomas, and retro videogames. Sooz also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 13th July 2022. You can find more of Sooz’s work here… https://www.soozkempner.co.uk/ Tw: @SoozUK / Insta: @soozkempner Watch Sooz’s sketches and videos here… ht...
Terry Mynott
November 16, 2023 02:30 - 1 hour - 143 MBAlex chats to writer, actor and impressionist Terry Mynott (Channel 4’s ‘The Mimic’ and ‘VIP’, BBC’s ‘Motherland’) about honesty, honing an impression, and having his radio show shut down. Terry also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 12th July 2022. You can find more of Terry’s work at… https://linktr.ee/terrymynott Tw: @terrymynott / Insta: @tmynott Watch the h...
Simon Kane
November 09, 2023 02:30 - 57 minutes - 133 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Simon Kane (Radio 4’s ‘John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme’ and ‘Timespanner’, BBC’s ‘Ghosts’) about Flying ants, Finnemore and Gilbert’s Fridge. Simon also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 8th July 2022. You can find more of Simon’s work at… https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/simon_kane/ Tw: / Insta: @slepkane Listen to Series 9...
Holly Hall
November 02, 2023 02:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBIn the second in-person interview of this series, Alex chats to writer and performer Holly Hall (BBC New Comedy Award’s Digital Comedian of The Year) about creating her BBC pilot, reaching out to collaborators, and the Coventry ‘Covmandem’. Holly also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 7th July 2022. Check out Holly’s comedy at… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7W...
Lee Griffiths
October 26, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn the first in-person interview of this series, Alex chats to writer and performer Lee Griffiths (Late Night Gimp Fight, C5’s ‘Impractical Jokers’) about wrecking balls, writing a sketch a day, and the Rebel Alliance. Lee also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 6th July 2022. You can find more of Lee’s work at… https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/lee_griffiths/ Tw: @...
Georgia Pritchett
October 19, 2023 01:00 - 58 minutes - 134 MBAlex chats to writer Georgia Pritchett (HBO’s ‘Succession’ and ‘Veep’, BBC’s ‘The Thick of It’) about being a writing chameleon, working on ‘Smack the Pony’, and making gravy with Armando Iannucci. Georgia also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 30th June 2022. Order Georgia’s autobiography ‘My Mess Is A Bit Of A Life’ here… https://www.faber.co.uk/product/97805713...
Ruth Bratt
October 12, 2023 01:00 - 54 minutes - 125 MBAlex chats to actor, writer and performer Ruth Bratt (BBC’s ‘People Just Do Nothing’, Radio 4’s ‘Trodd En Bratt’ and the Olivier Award-winning ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical) about Kurupt FM, the 50-Hour Improvathon and moving house during a pandemic. Ruth also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 16th June 2022. You can find more of Ruth’s work at… https://www...
Andy Bobrow (Part 2)
October 05, 2023 23:01 - 1 hour - 151 MBIn the second of this two-parter, Alex chats to Andy about writing on ‘Malcom in the Middle’, being a big part of Greendale Community College, and the Old Negro Space Programme. Andy also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 4th June 2022. Listen to ‘Tumbler’s Willy’ here… https://open.spotify.com/show/4dOqyWiBGONFiMxguIy3x9 Tw: @abobrow Watch ‘Community’ on Netfli...
Andy Bobrow (Part 1)
October 05, 2023 01:30 - 1 hour - 147 MBIn the first of this two-parter, Alex chats to American writer Andy Bobrow (‘Community’, ‘Brooklyn 99’, ‘The Last Man on Earth’) about The Groundlings, college zines and Tumbler’s Willy. In second of this two-parter, Alex chats to Andy about writing on ‘Malcom in the Middle’, being a big part of Greendale Community College, and the Old Negro Space Programme. Andy also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) o...
Alex Lowe
September 28, 2023 01:30 - 1 hour - 144 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Alex Lowe (Channel 4’s ‘Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights’, BBC’s ‘The Peter Serafinowicz Show’) about palmistry, partnerships and end-of-the-pier characters. Alex also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 28th May 2022. You can find more of Alex’s work here… https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/alex_lowe/ Tw: @alexlowe51 / Insta: @baptisteclin...
Joanna Neary
September 21, 2023 01:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBAlex chats to the ‘right honourable’ writer and performer Joanna Neary (BBC’s ‘Ideal’ and ‘Time Trumpet’) about her character work, her Fringe experiences, and why she is actually a wasp in a cardigan. Joanna also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 25th May 2022. You can find more of Joanna’s work here… https://linktr.ee/Joannaneary Tw: @MsJoNeary / Insta: @wifeone...
Tom Burgess
September 14, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Tom Burgess (CBBC’s ‘Blue Peter’, Radio 4’s ‘Newsjack’, ‘The Beef and Dairy Network’) about Mach Fest, old men in blazers and ties, and performing sketch comedy with egg on your face. Tom also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 7th May 2022. You can find more of Tom’s work here… https://tomburgesscomedy.co.uk/ Tw: @Tomb_Urges / In...
Dipak Patel
May 11, 2022 23:01 - 58 minutes - 111 MBAlex chats to writer and director Dipak Patel (BBC Comedy) about his foray into comedy, working with actors, and wrestling. Dipak also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 1st September 2021. You can find more of Dipak’s work here… dipakpatel.com Tw: @dipako / Insta: dipako85 Watch his sketches at… YouTube.com/dipako Presented, recorded, edite...
Ellie White
May 04, 2022 23:01 - 56 minutes - 72.6 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Ellie White (BBC’s The Other One, C4’s The Windsors and Stath Let’s Flats) about Bristol, writing sketch for TV and quitting social media. Ellie also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 31st August 2021. You can find out more about Ellie’s work here… https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/ellie_white/ Presented, recorded, edited and prod...
Will Hartley
April 27, 2022 23:01 - 57 minutes - 72.3 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Will Hartley (writer of ITV2’s ‘Zomboat’, star of CBBC’s ‘Fit’ and Radio 4’s ‘Strap In… It’s Clever Peter’) about agile pivots, dream factories and one-man Westerns. Will also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 28th July 2021. You can find more of Will’s work at… http://www.whartley.com Insta: @hartleywjl Listen to ‘...
Eleanor Morton
April 20, 2022 23:01 - 56 minutes - 68.2 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Eleanor Morton (All Rather Mysterious, Weirdos Comedy) about lockdown videos, performing comedy on ice and the paranormal. Eleanor also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 17th July 2021. You can find more of Eleanor’s work at… https://eleanormortoncomedian.com/ Tw: @EleanorMorton / Insta: eleanormortoncomedy Watch El...
Will Sebag Montefiore
April 13, 2022 23:01 - 56 minutes - 90.4 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Will Sebag Montefiore (BBC’s ‘Poldark’, ITV’s ‘Endeavour) about his sketch ventures with Just These Please, making online content, and fisting pies. Will also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 10th July 2020. You can find out more about Will at… Tw: @wsebag Watch Just These Please sketches here… https://www.youtube.com/justthese...
Briony Redman
April 06, 2022 23:01 - 53 minutes - 65 MBAlex chats to writer, performer and improviser Briony Redman (The Free Association, BFI short Smear, Questing Time) about switching from law to comedy, improv marathons and Bjork. Briony also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 9th July 2021. You can find out more about Briony at… www.brionyredman.com Check out Briony in Dungeons and Dragons comedy show Questing T...
Professor Elemental (aka Paul Alborough)
March 30, 2022 23:01 - 55 minutes - 87.2 MBIn the first in-person interview on the show, Alex chats to writer, performer and Victorian rapper/explorer Professor Elemental (Disney’s Phineas and Ferb and creator of YouTube viral sensation Cup of Brown Joy) about comedy and hip hop, rap workshops, strange gigs and making a career out of one character. The man behind the Prof Paul Alborough also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This ep...
Kathryn Bond
March 24, 2022 00:01 - 54 minutes - 69.1 MBAlex chats to actor, writer and performer Kathryn Bond (CBBC’s ‘Class Dismissed’, Amazon’s ‘Whitstable Pearl’ and Funny Women Comedy Writing Award Winner 2021) about clowns, characters and kid’s shows. Kat also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 21st June 2021. You can find out more about Kathryn at… https://www.kathrynbond.co.uk/new-page Tw: @KathrynBond / I...
Joel Morris (Part 2)
March 18, 2022 00:01 - 43 minutes - 58.9 MBIn the second of this two-parter, Alex chats to Joel about live audience, finding character voices and working with Charlie Brooker. Joel also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 18th June 2021. Watch Cunk on Shakespeare here… https://youtu.be/9YeCpHoy9EQ Tw: @gralefrit Order The Incomplete Framley Examiner here… https://www.waterstones.com/book/t...
Joel Morris (Part 1)
March 17, 2022 00:01 - 56 minutes - 74.3 MBIn the first of this two-parter, Alex chats to writer Joel Morris (BBC’s That Mitchell & Webb Look, SKY’s A Touch of Cloth and Radio 4’s Agendum) about writers’ rooms, Framley Examiner and bringing back the Ladybird Books. Joel also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 18th June 2021. Watch ‘Cunk on Shakespeare’ here… https://youtu.be/9YeCpHoy9EQ Tw...
Fran Bushe
March 10, 2022 00:01 - 56 minutes - 64.6 MBAlex chats to writer and author Fran Bushe (author of My Broken Vagina) about comedy courses, giant sketch props, and coming up with her smash-hit solo show, ‘Ad-Libido’. Vaj badge! Fran also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 13th June 2021. You can find out more about Fran at… http://franbushe.com/ Tw & Insta: @franbushe You can order ‘My Broke...
Tom Neenan
March 03, 2022 00:01 - 55 minutes - 65.5 MBAlex chats to writer and performer Tom Neenan (BBC’s The Mash Report, Radio 4’s The Hauntening and BBC Sounds’ Tom Neenan is Not All Men) about his sketch double-act with Nish Kumar, playing with structure, and building a Dalek in lockdown. Tom also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 11th June 2021. You can find more of Tom’s work here… www.tomneenan.com ...
Coming soon: Out of Character Series 2!
February 27, 2022 23:15 - 1 minute - 2.65 MBNew episodes weekly from the 3rd March 2022! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kieran Hodgson
June 23, 2021 23:01 - 51 minutes - 118 MBAlex chats to writer performer Kieran Hodgson (C4’s ‘How Europe Stole My Mum’, BBC’s ‘Jonathan Creek’ and ‘Siblings’) about being a jack of all trades, locking down in New Zealand and the many differing journeys of doing a one-man show. Kieran also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 27th June 2020. You can find more of Kieran’s work here… https://www.youtube.com/ch...
Gemma Arrowsmith (Part 2)
June 16, 2021 23:02 - 46 minutes - 106 MBIn the second of this two-parter, Alex chats to writer, actor and script editor Gemma Arrowsmith (BBC’s ‘Tracey Ullman Show’, BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gemma Arrowsmith: Emergency Broadcast’) about satire and sketch, panels and planets, rejections and radio silence. Gemma also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 20th June 2020. You can find out more about Gemma at… http://gemm...
Gemma Arrowsmith (Part 1)
June 16, 2021 23:01 - 45 minutes - 103 MBIn the first of this two-parter, Alex chats to writer, actor and script editor Gemma Arrowsmith (BBC’s ‘Tracey Ullman Show’, BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gemma Arrowsmith: Emergency Broadcast’) about online writers rooms, love of Sci-fi, and discovering comedy via Birmingham video shops. In second of this two-parter, Alex chats to Gemma about satire and sketch, panels and planets, rejections and radio silence. Gemma also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by th...
David Reed
June 09, 2021 23:01 - 50 minutes - 115 MBAlex chats to writer performer David Reed (BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Penny Dreadfuls’, BBC’s ‘It’s Kevin’) about dispensable characters, the playfulness of sketch and the joy of watching serious actors be idiots. David also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 13th June 2020. You can find out more about David at… https://www.mrdavidreed.com/ Tw: @MrDavidReed Listen to ‘Ins...
John Henry Falle aka The Storybeast
June 02, 2021 23:01 - 50 minutes - 116 MBAlex chats to writer, performer and hairy wonder The Storybeast (‘Bill’, So Beano Comedy) about the best charity shops, the worst audiences and the English Wyrd. John Henry also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 7th June 2020. You can find out more about John Henry at… T Twitter: @thestorybeast Buy him a Ko-fi at … https://ko-fi.com/t...
Susan Harrison
May 26, 2021 23:01 - 46 minutes - 107 MBAlex chats to writer performer Susan Harrison (Showstoppers, CBBC’s ‘DNN’ and ‘Class Dismissed’) about Showstoppers Eurovision, critical characters, and playing a hedgehog on stage. Susan also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 30th May 2020. You can find out more about Susan at… https://susanharrisoncharacters.com/Tw: @SueHarrison123 / FB: https://www.facebook.com...
Steve Dawson (Part 2)
May 19, 2021 23:02 - 43 minutes - 99 MBIn second of this two-parter, Alex chats to writer and comedy highlord Steve Dawson (BBC’s ‘Walliams and Friends’, ITV’s ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’) about writing for children, creating idiocy for ‘Ant and Dec’ and making ‘The Peter Serafinowicz Show’. Steve also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 23rd May 2020. You can find out more about Steve at… http://www.daws...
Steve Dawson (Part 1)
May 19, 2021 23:01 - 42 minutes - 97.1 MBIn the first of this two-parter, Alex chats to writer and comedy highlord Steve Dawson (BBC’s ‘Walliams and Friends’, ITV’s ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’) about the Dawson Bros, breaking down character traits and trying to write funny during a global crisis. In second of this two-parter, Alex chats to Steve about writing for children, creating idiocy for ‘Ant and Dec’ and making ‘The Peter Serafinowicz Show’. Steve also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to ...
Harrie Hayes
May 12, 2021 23:01 - 46 minutes - 107 MBAlex chats to writer performer Harrie Hayes (BBC’s ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘King Gary’, E4’s ‘Wasted’) about new lockdown skills, topical sketch comedy and going it alone in her first solo show. Harrie also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 16th May 2020. You can find out more about Harrie at… Tw: @harriehayes Instagram: harrie...
Richard Soames
May 05, 2021 23:01 - 48 minutes - 111 MBAlex chats to writer performer Richard Soames (BBC’s ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’, Knightmare Live) about morality, improv, fatherhood and fish murder. Richard also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 10th May 2020. You can find out more about Richard at… http://richardsoames.com/ Tw: @richardsoames Check out Richard in Dungeons and Dragons comedy show ‘Ques...
Anna Morris
April 28, 2021 23:01 - 47 minutes - 109 MBAlex chats to writer performer Anna Morris (C4’s ‘Lee and Dean’, BBC Radio 4’s ‘Anna Morris: Kid-Life Crisis’) about going viral, audience interaction and her process when creating a character. Anna also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to her by the show’s previous guest in ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. This episode was recorded 2nd May 2020. You can find out more about Anna at… http://annamorris.co.uk/ Tw: @annamorriscomic Liste...
Tom Crowley
April 21, 2021 23:01 - 48 minutes - 111 MBAlex chats to writer performer Tom Crowley (‘The Royals’ on E!, BBC Radio 4’s ‘Ankle Tag’) about all things sketch - from Sad Faces to solo work to how online has changed the shape of this comedy sub-genre. Tom also creates a character on the spot based solely on the made-up name given to him by Alex in our regular section ‘Chain(ge) of Character’. You can find more of Tom’s work here… http://crowleytom.com/ Tw, Insta, FB: @atomcrowley Check out ‘Crowley Time With Me Tom Crow...
Series 1 coming 22nd April 2021!
April 14, 2021 06:00 - 1 minute - 3.62 MBAward-winning writer Alex Lynch, interviews some of the top writers and performers from the world of sketch and character comedy about how and why they found themselves in this fascinating branch of comedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.