Mike Wooles

Nationality

British

Resident of

United Kingdom (Southampton)

Short version:
A fledgeling comedy writer, working alongside a media design career, looking to find their place in the industry.

Background:
I was born "Up North" but raised in Hampshire. I have always had a creative/witty streak. I used to laugh with my Dad about the vicar looking like a bat, and enjoyed humour, often at inappropriate moments. I have worked for tech and public sector companies in content creation roles, but I've always liked jokes and one-liners which have leaked into my work. When I worked for the MoD, I wrote a joke in a training course I was designing, but I would have to kill you after you heard it. Some of the animation and process disciplines learned in a content role have helped me produce and organise my work.

Growing up:
I've still not done this, but when I was younger I liked writing stories and being in my own little world. At school we had the opportunity to make write and record a radio programme in a music lesson, which we called 'Radio Scumbag'. My friend Rick Adams was 'the talent' but I enjoyed the vibe of it and thinking up some of the jokes. I loved comedy on the radio, particularly Kenny Everett's Captain Kremmen, Hitch Hikers guide and Sorry I haven't a Clue.
Other favourites included M*A*S*H and repeats of The Addams Family in black and white on 'scheduled telly'.

My start in Comedy:
I started my mid-life comedy crisis journey by leaving humourous voice-notes for a friend that moved to Los Angeles, the same one we made 'Radio Scumbag' with. This lead to me taking some comedy courses by Greg Dean (online) and Dave Cohen (in person) and I met Ian Searle (writer) on Twitter, who pointed me towards 'Breaking The News' and other open shows.
A few people had said "You should do comedy..." (sincerely, not as a put down, I think?!?) recently in my life, so I thought maybe they were right. Thank you friends.
I also gatecrashed a BBC sponsored comedy apprentice application webinar, where two new writers talked about how were chosen for their work and what they focussed on during their year. This was really inspiring and one of the best research things I have done on my journey.
The BCG Pro comedy event in Holborn (2024) was also excellent and the people I met and listened too have helped shape my ambition. Jon Holmes, Dave Cohen, Jed Parsons and Uttom Chowdhury were really friendly and helpful. Thanks chaps!
On social media, two of my Twitter joke contributions to 'The Now Show' were read out by Steve and Hugh (Series 63) and I contributed some 'funny/odd' news stories to the 'The Gargle' Podcast weekly plan. Small things, but they help you progress and start to feel part of the industry, in the 'pre-cred' phase of writing.

Current activities:
Recently I have been writing for open radio shows such as 'Breaking The News', 'Noising Up', 'DM's are Open' and 'The Skewer'.
I now have credits for BTN and Noising Up (YES! - thank you), and my sights are on The Skewer for later this year.

What's Next?
In 2024: Continuing to pursue further radio credits and develop 'The Donkey of News', my own short topical news joke show, on YouTube and as a podcast. I get to wear a Donkey mask and read my spare gag material from open shows. Everyone should recycle. Thanks to the other writers that have also kindly contributed to the show.

More soon - contact me if you have projects/ideas/opportunities.

What's this about? I hope you don't do jokes about The Royals or that nice Prime Minister.

Mike's Mum, 2022

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