Comedy / stand up comedy
Standup and viral comic star Josh Pugh to visit Bristol twice on tour
Hailing from the Midlands, Josh Pugh is an Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated standup with a raft of TV credits to his name, including Hypothetical (Dave), The Last Leg (Channel 4) and Mock the Week (BBC Two)
Known for his warm and unassuming persona, coupled with an oblique way of looking at the world and a natural instinct for a killer line, he has a deserved reputation as one of the UK’s most dependable headliners, as well as building up a considerable social media following.
Pugh is partially sighted, and for 10 years has played for England’s partially sighted team – competing in three World Championships to date. He is also the creator of cult FA coaching account @GrassrootsCoac5 on X, and author of the spin-off book Grassroots: A Step Dad’s Quest for Silverware.
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His latest, and biggest UK and Ireland tour, Existin’ La Vida Loca is now taking him around the country, with an extra Bristol date now added due to popular demand.
How did this show originate?
“I start by writing down all the funny things I notice, think and feel, and gradually it becomes a show for me.
“I look at it and think, ok what am I writing about here? What keeps coming up, and what are the things that I care about the most? Then I stick a few swear words in, do a poster and we are touring baby.”
Josh Pugh – photo: Sam Frank Wood
Do you find you’re playing to audiences who are surprised by your ideas, or in tune with them?
“That’s a really good question. I don’t think anyone is ever shocked by the material or things I talk about; a lot of people find me online from my short videos so often come not knowing really what to expect and (I hope) they are usually pleasantly surprised.
“I might do something off the wall next year though, just to keep them guessing.”
Josh Pugh – photo: Sam Frank Wood
What are your experiences of Bristol audiences?
“I think this is where I’m supposed to suck up and say how intelligent and savvy they are, which I will absolutely do: they are incredibly bright and well-versed in the art form. Yeah, they are sound.”
Josh Pugh: Existin’ La Vida Loca is at The Hen & Chicken Studio on March 22 at 8pm, with an extra show added on May 23. Visit www.thecomedybox.co.uk for ticket availability.
All photos: Sam Frank Wood
Read more: Acclaimed alt-comedy standup Stuart Laws visits Bristol with his debut tour show
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