Hi Brad. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?
I'm Brad Holcombe, and I am a comedy writer / performer / dancer. I don't dance.
Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.
From a young age I've been obsessed with comedy and I always wished I was part of it somehow, but I never believed that someone like me was able to.
For years I wrote down my observations, and came up with sketch notes, but I never did anything with them. Then in January 2018 I lost my job. This was followed by a series of unfortunate events (nothing to do with Lemony Snicket btw) which saw everything change for me and my family. I was an Area Manager at the time, travelling around the country, stressed to the eyeballs, but this had left me in a situation I hadn't been in before, and everything seemed to be pointing me to walk a new path. So, I did!
With the blessing and support of my wife, I started to look into how the hell I could get into writing comedy as a career. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was covered in peanut butter handcuffed to a radiator. Oops, sorry, that's another story. After much research, learning, and jamming my fingers into many different pies, I have continued to do anything and everything to get a place in the comedy scene, and so far, it's working nicely.
Tell us about your comedy favourites.
I honestly have too many favourites, so, I'll list a few from different times, styles etc.
Michael Palin. The first time I knew I loved comedy was when I saw The Holy Grail at about age 8 ish. From then I was obsessed with Monty Python. All the Pythons were amazing, but Michael Palin always stood out. His expressions, timing, everything, he was always guaranteed to leave me in stitches.
Rik Mayall. What can you say about him other than wow! What a force. Rik was the Freddie Mercury of comedy. Totally unique and unmatched.
Bob Mortimer. I would love to delve into the mind of Mr Mortimer. He could have me in stitches with one line when he did Shooting Stars, and even now with the Athletico Mince podcast, he always has me in tears.
Caroline Aherne. Although she did many amazing things, it's The Fast Show where she stood out for me. She was brilliant in every way. 'How was she Roy?!' Plus, I used to have a bit of a crush on her too!
Matt Berry. What a guy! He could read a eulogy at a funeral and have everyone laughing. How he can remain the same and play so many parts show what a talent he is. Bringing something new to a role and keep your signature style. Amazing!
The comedy industry is competitive. Why should people pick you to work with?
People should pick me because I'm amazing. Oh, and I have some sweet pens that I am willing to share. But I have to have them back at the end of the day, so I don't get into trouble. In all seriousness though, I am great. Working with me is not only like a spiritual experience, but it'll make you want to better yourself too.
Joking aside, my goal is to create something special, and I won't stop until I do. I do believe that ideas are best bounced off someone else, so to make that 'something special' I will need to team up with someone/s. (Preferably someone who is a brilliant writer so I can chill a bit)
What's the best advice you've ever been given, read or heard?
"If things don't change, they'll stay as they are." My Dad said that to me when I was a teen. Something that I laughed at initially, but I've followed ever since.
"If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later!" - Richard Branson, believe it or not. I love this, and I've put it into practice for years. Even more so with comedy, as I am literally learning everything as I go!
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." - Bruce Lee. I spent my life trying to fit in, and it took me 36 years to figure out that I don't need to. I work hard to bring my own voice into everything I write. I'd hate to think I was writing someone else's words.
Where would you like to be in 10 years' time?
Still writing and performing my own stuff!
Hopefully by then I will have had a sketch show series (bringing back sketch to the mainstream), a sitcom (which would still be going), and I'd have appeared on QI.
The sketch show would have to be first, as I'm not exactly a yout. Do the silly stuff first, before my back gives out and I can only do armchair comedy. I'm in this to the end like Braveheart, and should I become majorly successful in comedy, the only way I'd be removed is if I'm scraped away, like shit from a shoe.
If you ever get free time, how do you spend it?
I like to spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids. I spend so much time at my desk, that when I am free, I really try and make the most of it. I am lucky that I get to work from home at the minute, and I mostly work during school time etc, but it takes what it takes to get stuff done, and it's so unpredictable, so I just enjoy every moment I can with them. They may say differently, but I enjoy it!
If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?
I would pick mind reading. I am one of those people who thinks too much. If somebody is reading something I've written, I am on pins waiting to see a raised eyebrow, a slight smirk, or a snot bubble after they break out in fits of laughter. I hate to ask for feedback, because it puts people in an awkward position. How do you tell someone that what they've just shown you is crap?! But feedback is necessary, and I'd love to have someone read it, and I hear their thoughts. Takes away all the awkwardness. Unless they're thinking it's rubbish, then I'd squash their sandwich and walk off.
Published: Friday 3rd April 2020