Comedy / Michael Akadiri
Doctor and standup Michael Akadiri adds parenthood into the comedy mix
While on sabbatical from his surgical training, junior doctor-turned comedian Michael Akadiri is back on tour with his second standup hour.
Trust Me, I’m a Daddy will be coming to Bristol Folk House on October 6 as part of a UK tour.
Following 2022’s No Scrubs, which detailed Akadiri’s experiences in medicine, this sophomore show brings a thoroughly new element into the mix: parenthood.
is needed now More than ever
What’s funniest about becoming a dad?
“That I finally have a legitimate excuse to go to the trampoline park!
“I love trampolining, there’s a place right by my house but I can’t go solo – you need a child to accompany you. That’s where my son comes in – he’s essentially my guardian.
“People probably saw us jumping the other week having so much fun and thought, ahh, he’s great dad. But little do they know that it was actually my day out and he’s just come with me.”
How does the juggle of parenting compare to working in an NHS hospital?
“I hope I don’t annoy some of my anaesthetic colleagues, but I draw parallels with their work.
“They have one patient, who gets their sole attention. An anaesthetist’s primary aim is to keep said patient safe throughout their operation.
“I have one child, who demands my attention as I try to keep him safe – largely from himself. Whilst we see a living room; he sees Takeshi’s Castle.
“Two or more kids is probably analogous with a nurse in a bay, simultaneously trying to keep everything afloat whilst being pulled in different directions. And after doing a 12 hour shift of it – you’re shattered!”
Where did writing this new show begin for you?
“I did my first preview in April 2023, not long after my first tour concluded. My son was only a few months old then but there were some early parenthood experiences – e.g. attending Baby Sensory class (in short, don’t) that I wanted to give a run out whilst fresh in the memory.
“Of course, I continue to parent so I’ve been able to add anecdotes to the show as and when. It could be that Bristol are the first to hear a brand new story!”
While your material is perhaps becoming more personal, are there any no-go areas for what you are prepared to share on stage?
“The best comedy comes from your traumas and my opinion it’s even better when a comic is prepared to be vulnerable and honest, the more open I am – the better art, I’ll create.
“There’s nothing from my life that I’ll be scared to mime on stage. In truth, any limitations will come from family members who don’t want their business aired publicly. I’d always consult them first; however, if they’re uncomfortable then it doesn’t go any further. I wouldn’t want to embarrass a family member to make gig goers laugh, I think that lacks principles. I’d tell the joke at a family function though.”
Your new podcast Late Nights and Wet Wipes has a parenting theme. What have you discovered from talking about the experience in this way?
“I’ve loved recording with my fellow fathers and comedians, Kazeem Jamal & Darran Griffiths. We regale each other on parenting fails, successes and everything in-between. As we’re good friends, we’re comfortable being honest and vulnerable with one another whilst never being too far away from a laugh.
“Doing the podcast has reinforced the notion that there’s not one set way to parent; invariably, our personalities will influence our respective styles. Although if love, sacrifice and dedication are at the forefront, you’ll struggle to do a bad job.”
As your life becomes ever busier, how might medicine fit in to your future?
“Did my mum write this one? In all seriousness, it’s something I do ponder frequently. There’s an inverse correlation between my comedy successes and my medical career. If things really take off comedically, it’ll leave very little – if any, time for medicine.
“However, what provides me some solace is that even if I don’t work clinically in the future, I’d still use my profile to promote a healthy lifestyle, which I’ve already shown some form with my YouTube series, Public Health Trivia. So at worst, I’ll shift from curing to preventing.”
Michael Akadiri: Trust Me, I’m a Daddy is at Bristol Folk House on October 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.michaelakadiri.com.
Main photo: Michael Akadiri
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