Hi Ross. Who are you and what do you do in comedy?
I am a 32 year old male from Ireland. I've performed Stand-Up since 2015 and am now a Freelance Comedy Writer, mostly focusing on Sitcom Screenplays.
Tell us about how you first became involved in the comedy world.
I was 24/25 unemployed, in a rut, and wanted to do something big and adventurous to help me grow as a person and get me out of my comfort zone. I decided I would apply for Big Brother, however, the applications were due early January and I didn't want to spend all Christmas writing it up. So I made a deal with myself; I can give up on Big Brother, and enjoy Christmas, but only if I promise to try Stand-Up Comedy at least once.
I did an open mic and loved it. And the rest is...well not exactly history, but I continued with the comedy.
What's the funniest thing you've ever seen?
Homer Simpson jumping the Springfield Gorge, missing, and hitting every rock on the way down. That was amazing. But when they crashed the ambulance and Homer fell down the gorge a second time? I nearly suffered cardiac arrest.
What have you learned from your time writing comedy?
Nothing is funny in isolation. Everything has a set-up and a punchline. So write any old non funny nonsense because you'll eventually find several sets ups that can be used for jokes.
If you could change one thing about the UK comedy industry, what would it be?
That it incorporated Republic of Ireland as well as the UK. And that there was a Saturday Night Live type show from budding comedy writers.
Do you think you'll ever retire from performing?
Not fully. I'll slow down and take more time off, but why would you retire from doing something that you love.?
What's been the most significant plot twist in your own life?
After 32 years it turned out that I wasn't a lazy bum who likes to sleep in, I'd been suffering from sleep apnea and haven't got a proper night sleep in years.
What's been the most significant plot twist in your own life?
I maintain that in reality having superpowers would come with terrible downsides that would far outway the positives. That being said I would like to have Wolverine's healings abilities, so everyone would be like "Wow, he looks great for his age".
Published: Wednesday 1st March 2023