Amy Mason

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Friday 6th December 2024

It was the first of times, it was the worst of times. And joining us this time is Amy Mason, the theatre-maker turned stand-up who begins her first UK tour in late January 2025, which sounds a way off, but isn't. Admittedly the subject matter does sound ripe for a dramatic double header, if it hadn't become an acclaimed comedy show.

"Free Mason is about coming out as queer, in lockdown, while I was married to a man," the Bristol-based comic explains. "It's about starting again and building a life for myself. It's very much a solo show, and think it would only really work as stand-up."

Some of the UK's finest stand-ups have gone the other way, over the years, onto more serious stages - how did Mason find that rarer shift, from multi-person productions to solo comedy?

"I definitely did miss the collaborative side of theatre, but as things have progressed a little bit for me, and I get to work with a producer and director (the wonderful Izzy Rabey on this show), it feels much more like a joint creative effort.

"In Edinburgh I was good friends with my tech Chloe, so felt like I was part of a team - if anything weird happened or it was a really great one, we'd experienced that together. Being Edinburgh, it was often both weird and great at the same time."

Plans are already under way for a new show, meanwhile, "about how I got hacked and the hackers sent sex toys to my house. So it's this outrageous story, but is really about community and friendship and living our lives online."

Now, let's stay online a bit longer, for Mason's memorable moments.

First gig?

It was in 2017. My eldest daughter was a baby and I was feeling stir-crazy. I read Viv Groskop's I Laughed, I Cried about her starting stand-up and learnt how it all worked. And decided to just DO IT. The audience was just other comics, my set was written on a piece of paper and I basically just read it out but it went fine.

After I got off, a man told me I needed to work on my 'stage craft'. I felt small, and he then proceeded to do the worst five minutes I think I've ever seen. A lesson for the ages.

Favourite show, ever?

I think when I did a short spot at the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival at their showcase in late 2023. Bridget Christie was in the audience and was so lovely to me afterwards that I sobbed. Genuinely one of the best nights of my whole life and gave me confidence that still keeps me going. I've loved her for years and been so inspired by her work.

Worst gig?

I think one in Gloucester where I performed to total silence for 20 minutes. Heckling is at least something to work with. I have never done such a silent gig. It was like performing to mannequins.

Which one person influenced your comedy life most significantly?

Jo Brand was someone I loved when I was really little. I used to listen to her (very rude) radio show in my room when I was about 10. People sometimes say I'm like her and it's such a compliment. She is punk as fuck and so funny. And such a great writer!

And who's the most disagreeable person you've come across in the business?

An open mic promoter once made me flier his night for my spot. When I gave them all out he said, 'I didn't mean for you to give them to just anyone'. I told him to fuck off and walked to the tube. Still annoyed.

Is there one routine/gag you loved, that audiences inexplicably didn't?

So many. I can't even write them here because people won't like them. I have one about my daughter wearing a hula hoop as a hat that comedians always love, but everyone else hates.

If a new law was introduced, limiting people to one creative outlet, would comedy be enough?

Yes! I really think so.

Any reviews, heckles or post-gig reactions stick in the mind?

Lots of good ones. A reviewer describing me as 'plain and mumsy', however, was not a high point (I am famously young and hot so she'd lost her mind tbh).

How do you feel about where your career is at, right now?

I'm excited and hopeful. I used to feel quite entitled and jealous of other people's success. For the past couple of years, I've kept my head down and focused on the work and I see that it's paying off in all kinds of ways.

Amy Mason: Free Mason tours the UK from January. amy-mason.com