Jena Friedman

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Friday 21st February 2025

It was the first of times, it was the worst of times.

This time we welcome Jena Friedman, the former Daily Show producer, Late Show With David Letterman writer and current on-stage satirist who is heading to the UK with MOTHERF*CKER, which - given the title - you might assume is about a certain contentious, er, 'statesman' back home. But actually it's a deeper dive into Friedman's life.

"This show is my most personal hour yet," explains the comic, who begins a week at London's Soho Theatre on Thursday. "It's still a work in progress so it's evolving but at the moment it's about new motherhood and grief and like most of my stand-up, there's also some political stuff sprinkled in."

And how are topical comedians coping with this new government so far... or not coping?

"I'm finally thinking about starting a podcast," she says, "so not well."

Let's take a trip back then - to a tricky beginning, it turns out.

First gig?

My first paid gig was at this place called Kitty Moon in Chicago. I got my wallet stolen from my coat pocket while I was onstage. Also, the booker was a registered sex offender (I found this out later), but thankfully he no longer works in comedy, I think he left to take a job in Trump's cabinet.

Favourite show, ever?

This a tough one, I've had so many cool experiences. There was one show I did at a warehouse in Oakland, California just before the 2016 election. The crowd was insane, a woman flashed me, I felt like a rockstar.

Worst gig?

I travelled across the country for a gig in February 2020. By that point, I was already so freaked out about the virus that would later be called Covid-19, but I needed the money so I flew from Los Angeles to Upstate New York, wearing an N95 mask, to do the show.

When I got there, I was informed that the university had just decided to cancel the gig (and not pay the comics) because of snowy weather. We ended up convincing them to hold the show in a pizza restaurant just so we could get paid.

I didn't have the best set that night, but I also didn't get covid, so it could have been worse.

Which one person influenced your comedy life most significantly?

My mom.

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

I'll tell you over drinks.

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

So many, but if I describe them in writing they'll do even worse!

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

During a recent show, I was heckled by my toddler from backstage while I was talking about him. It was awesome and his timing was impeccable. I was recording my set when it happened so I was able to capture the moment:

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

I guess that's one positive aspect of this current political shitstorm in America, I've stopped worrying about my career!

Jena Friedman: MOTHERF*CKER is at London's Soho Theatre from 27 February to 5 March. sohotheatre.com