Funny Peculiar Podcast

This week and I chat to the amazingly talented Lucy Lush, drag queen extraordinaire. Lucy Lush is a drag artiste actress/actor plus one of the campcooks touring UK wide festivals also a Broadcast Journalist for gaydio Lucy boasts a flamboyant career spanning 20 years working with drag legends, such as Lily Savage. But, while the name may not be instantly recognisable, his alter ego may well raise a few eyebrows. She travels all over the UK as drag queen Lucy Lush, performing shows under other guises including Hilda Crabtree, Lucy’s 70-year-old grandmother. Lucy Lush is not an everyday drag act and uses comedy put together from recent topical news stories to constantly update his acts. “When Lucy Lush is on stage Lucy Lush is real.” “From a performance aspect I can be as outrageous as possible and it’s all purely for fun.” A massive thank you to Lucy for being my final guest on the podcast. It's truly a great interview. https://twitter.com/therealLucyLush https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009111483198 https://www.instagram.com/lucylushuk/?hl=en

This week I speak to Vivien Ella Walden author of Eating from the Cherry Tree. Vivien Ella Walden who is still alive and kicking, born in Salford Manchester. Raised in a loving working class Jewish family she ran from her heritage, bared her perfectly formed derriere and partied with the elite and famous while taking on many guises and titles. With the death of her first husband she took on his mantle and grew to become one of the UK's most successful 'madams' within a world of scandal and naughtiness, corruption and suffering, sadness and exhilarating happiness. 'After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life'. EATING FROM THE CHERRY TREE: You had me gripped from the very beginning and captivated me on every single page. A life filled with trauma, tragedy humour and sexiness. Opening your world through beautiful use of language that evaporates any concept of taboo.#5STAR #reviewMyBook.to/CherryTree Thanks to Vivien for coming on the show. Social media: https://www.facebook.com/viv.walden.71 https://twitter.com/vivienwalden

This week I chat with Tony Kinsella, Jeff Dawson (Jeffarama), Gordon Zola and Ian Whiteley, collectively known as Bard Company. Poetry with a difference! Four alternative poets performing a rock n' roll fuelled selection of their work with humour and no doubt a bit of controversy. Each member brings his own unique style to the group getting to know each other on the poetry and performance circuit for the last 5 years. They include poetry with musical backing tracks and songs with acoustic backing, also comedy and brilliant one-liners to give the edge on any socialist event, anti-war gig or comedy fundraiser. As they say themselves, "We want to perform some old/new stuff as a group with a different edge to it, have a few laughs, cause a bit of controversy and mayhem on the way, all for one & one for all!!" They have so far played in Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Wigan, Leeds, Wakefield and grow from strength to strength.   A big thank you again to Tony, Ian, Gordon and Jeff for coming on the show.   Social media contact: https://www.facebook.com/tony.kinsella.73 https://www.facebook.com/ian.c.whiteley https://www.facebook.com/gordon.zola.1 https://www.facebook.com/jeff.dawson.792 Jeffarama Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffinbolton/?hl=en      

This week I chat to a wonderful lady, a marvellous performer Aunty Ginger aka Thomas Henderson-Griffiths. Ginger has been on the drag circuit for four years and has made a huge impact, she won the Miss Drag UK 2019 competition and is part of The Three Ladies drag musical trio. She organises, produces and performs in her charity nights for the Albert Kennedy Trust and also performs in a variety of drag shows and events around the UK. Plus she is a grade 8 cello player! A multi talented lady indeed! Come meet everyone’s favourite Aunty, she believes in justice for cougars and combines old school and new school with campy lip sync comedy, badly sung tunes and Dad jokes. She can always be relied on for whipping her baps out at a family gathering and her trademark crusty makeup will give you life, trust! It's a great interview and a pleasure to have Aunty Ginger on the show! Thank you darling! Check out Aunty's instagram it's filled with great pics and info! Social media for Aunty: https://www.instagram.com/aunty_ginger https://twitter.com/tdgriffiths1 https://www.facebook.com/auntyginger87/ auntygingeruk@gmail.com https://www.akt.org.uk/

This week I chat to the wonderfully talented Christian Reilly. A stalwart on the UK comedy circuit for many years Christian never fails to deliver outstanding comedy. I've always been a massive fan of his comedy and musical parodies, a range of bands, check out his Artic Monkey's parody! The best!!  Christian’s first comedy gig was in the Perrier Award-winning show, ‘Rich Hall is Otis Lee Crenshaw’. He is a global comedy circuit headliner and has appeared at numerous international comedy festivals, on BBC radio and TV, and in four series of the Chortle Award-winning stand-up and sketch show ‘Richard Herring: As It Occurs To Me’. In 2015, BBC Radio 4 followed Christian on the road to the Edinburgh Fringe for ‘Lives In a Landscape’. 2016 saw Christian taking his comedy to Australia as part of Perth’s Fringeworld festival. Catch him soon at a comedy club near you! Check out Christian on social media: https://christreilly.com/ https://twitter.com/christreilly https://www.youtube.com/user/christianosfandango1/videos https://www.facebook.com/christianreillycomedy christreilly@outlook.com

This week I chat to the multi-talented Dave Morgan, a Bolton poet who has been gigging and writing in and around the North West for the last 20 years. He has worked in all sectors of education, and in a range of community and voluntary organisations plus involvement in teaching Chinese cooking, performance poetry, community action, and a host of other interests. Dave says, "Younger people seem to think that those of us growing up in the 1960s were somehow charmed. Maybe we were.  I have no idea what it is like to be young today, any more than my parents had any idea what it was like to be young in the 1960s. I don't envy the young, the odds are heavily stacked against them. Almost as much as they are stacked against the poor." For further information about Dave please see links below: https://www.davemorgan.info https://www.writeoutloud.net/ https://www.facebook.com/dave.morgan.31945

This week I chat to the wonderful and talented Ginger La Rouge, award winning international burlesque dancer! Ginger is an award winning, international performer and has traveled the world performing her unique and diverse burlesque acts. Ginger is a Manchester burlesque dancer and co-founded North West Burlesque in 2010, a company which provides entertainment and burlesque hen party teachers across the North West.  "The joyous thing about Ginger La Rouge is that you genuinely don't know what you're going to get: from the classically elegant to the sublimely ridiculous and everything in between, all fantastic and entertaining as heck." - Cabaret Roulette  "She's the title sequence of a Bond movie happening right in front of your eyes" - Review of Burlesque! At the Lowry  "A simply marvellous thing to witness" - The Skinny www.gingerlarouge.com  FB: Ginger La Rouge Twitter: Ginger La Rouge Instagram: Ginger La Rouge

This week I chat to the wonderful and delightful Poppycock.  Smiley, happy dragling Poppycock is one of those characters that lights up a room and a stage as soon as they appear. She’s been performing as a drag artist for less than a year, but has already won Halfway II Heaven’s It’s a Knockout competition and made it to the semi-finals of this year’s Drag Idol UK. Thanks for coming on the show Poppycock and here are her social media links. Contact FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/itspoppycock/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itspoppycock Twitter https://twitter.com/_itspoppycock

This week I talk to the legend that is Bob Sinfield. Radio presenter and comedy writer who has been performing and writing comedy for the last 40 years. I first met Bob back in London around 2003 helping out on his comedy show's, writing and performing. Bob Sinfield is an actor, author, presenter and freelance waster. He has appeared at theatre festivals from Edinburgh to Brighton and written scripts for some of the best comedy performers of the last four decades, including Bob Monkhouse, Leslie Phillips, Tracey Ullman, Joan Sims, Stan Freberg and Rory Bremner. In his spare time, he enjoys name-dropping. His books to date are Gentleman of Jazz, The Gag Trade, Simply Dead, Ready Steady Crook and, soon to be published, The Great Unwatched. Bob’s voice has been heard on all the major radio networks (plus quite a few minor ones) and he even appears on television when they’re desperate. Facebook: Bob Sinfield Website: www.bobsinfield.co.uk Mixcloud: MixCloud Twitter: /twitter.com/BobSinfield Podcasts: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/laughterzone

This week I chat to Jess Abouzied / Aerial Acrobatic and Circus Skills Teacher Jess quickly realised that her love of performing and being upside down was a perfect match for circus. With the career goal of being ‘professionally awesome’ she enrolled on Greentop’s full time Circus In Performing Arts course and has been unstoppable ever since. Now an artist and tutor, Jess specialises in aerial acrobatics across multiple apparatus such as silks and hoop. She also likes to sew costumes, play with fire, and pretend to be a gymnast. From glamorous corporate events to comedy characters, she performs all over the country but is rarely found with two feet on the ground. Website: bloodsweatcircus.com Facebook:  http://facebook.com/jessabouzeid Email: jess@bloodsweatcircus.com

A great episode 12 incredible guests from stalls from in and around the Tatcon 2018 festival. I start with the organiser Pat Deacon, who was in his mobility scooter nipping about still keeping the event going. I chat to Mike Gregory, a belt buckle salesman, then Nick Henderson who runs a rapture care sanctuary. Natalie Devine and Zane Innes of River Styx. Then Joanna Reeves who runs Bizarre Bits some spooky dolls with plants coming out of their heads!! Kelly Ryan a tattoo artist along with Izzy Thompson and Andy who run Little Lady Tattoos. David Robinson a guitarist on the main stage playing a great set, Alex Alvardo a Venezuelan tattoo artist and finally Bob Ellis a taxidermist!  Enjoy! Pat Deacon - Organiser of Tatcon: Tatcon Blackpool Mike Gregroy: Buckle Mania UK Nick Henderson: www.raptor.org.uk Natalie Devine and Dane Innes: River Styx Tattoo Studio Joanna Reeve Bizarre Bits Kelly Ryan Tattoo Artist Izzy and Andy from Little Lady Tattoo: Littleladytattoos David Robinson: The Cold Heart Review Alex Alvarado: www.santocuervotattoo.com Bob Ellis Taxidermy: www.bob-ellis.co.uk

This week I chat to Natalie Goode and Danielle Whitehead, both performers and providers of all things entertainment! Also costume designer/makers, fire breathers and eaters. I caught up with Natalie and Danielle at last year's Tatcon 2018, we had a chat about the perils of using fire as a main prop plus the hazards of staying safe. They also perform many other routines such as circus skills, fire eat/breath/bodyburn/transfers, fire hoop, fire fans, poi, hula hoop, stilts, angle grinding and freak show. You can find both performers here: Instagram: Natolee Goode Instagram: Danielle Marie Whitehead Facebook: Natalie Goode Facebook: Danielle Marie Whitehead

This week I chat to the wonderful Katie Trickett Katie Trickett is a sideshow, circus and variety performer living in the UK. She likes shoes, tattoos, small dogs and cake! Katie has a degree in Clothing Design and Technology and was set for a life in the fashion industry until a magician asked her to cover a show for his wife as an assistant and her passion for magic and performance began. After two years working in illusions and assisting several UK magicians Katie decided to learn her own magic, specialising in creating her own stage acts and close up magic.  The jump into the world of sideshow came in 2011 with some escapology shows and being part of a team recreating original 1950s sideshows. Sideshow performance is on a completely different level to magic as all the stunts are genuine and require high levels of natural skill to complete them. These shows are full of real danger, excitement, mind boggling wonders and sometimes a little squeamish in parts but are all round fun and a great flash back at traditional alternative performance.   For more information visit: Website: Katietrickett.co.uk Facebook: KatieTrickett Twitter: Katietricky Instragram: Katie Tricky

This week I'm chatting to the amazing and incredible Johnny Strange!  Risking life and limb in the name of entertainment is just another day in the office for Johnny Strange. This English born performer traveled the length and breadth of Britain perfecting his art form before touring his show extensively throughout the rest of the world. A natural born performer, Johnny Strange mastered some of the most daring acts brought to the stage. He has performed in 20+ countries around the world, entertained live on TV and and has been credited to many world first’s. Along with a plethora of Guinness World Records he has also earned the nickname, “The man with ears of steel”. A regular at festivals, fairs, conventions, corporate parties and cabaret events Johnny Strange amazes audiences with death defying acts of precision and skill once thought impossible - from the ancient art of sword swallowing to dangerous chainsaw juggling. From whip cracking to astounding feats of speed and much, much more. Famed for his innovative stunts and stylish live performances Johnny takes his audience on a whirl wind of emotions from jaw dropping tension to side splitting comedy, and right back again. Prepare yourself for one of the most thrilling shows you are ever likely to see! If you want to get in contact with Johnny Strange you can find him here: Website: Johnny Strange Instagram: johnny_strange Twitter: @strangejohnny Facebook: Johnny Strange

This week I chat to Arielle Firecracker, an amazing lady who performs burlesque but with many a trick up her sleeve!  Slithering her way across the globe and charming every snake in her path. Arielle Firecracker is the snake dancing, fire breathing, international burlesque sensation. This twisted beauty shows the world why she is a real firecracker! To contact Arielle you can find her here: Website: Arielle Firecracker Facebook: Arielle Firecracker Instagram: ariellefirecracker Twitter: Arielle Fire  

This week I chat to Craig Ricci Shaynak. Interview was recorded back in August 2018 at the Edinburgh Performing Arts Festival. A brilliant guy so sit back and enjoy. Craig Ricci Shaynak is an actor, writer, and producer living in Hollywood, California who has appeared in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at least a dozen times since 1989 in original shows such as MR FIZZYWIGG'S STORY FACTORY, COWBOYS & INDIANS, and I AM GOOGLE. Most people would recognize him from his numerous roles in television and film, including RAY DONOVAN opposite Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, TED 2 with Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane, THE INFORMANT with Matt Damon, directed by Steven Soderbergh, and HARSH TIMES with Christian Bale and J.K. Simmons, directed by David Ayer. Mr. Shaynak has also done voices for such films as HAPPY FEET and NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Craig produced the award-winning short films WARHOL, written and directed by Adam Ethan Crow, THE BEATING by Paul Stroili and Cyrus Myrakhor, and THE STORY MAN by Erik Hudson. Craig spends most of his time writing scripts and attributes any success he may have to his very useful degree in Medieval Drama from the University of Chicago. If you want to find Craig he can be found here: Facebook: Craig Shaynak Facebook: Craig Ricci Shaynak

This week I chat to the amazing Amanda Blyth better known as Miss Strawberry Moon. Miss Strawberry Moon is a comedic performer who takes the ordinary out of the extraordinary, bringing a rainbow of colour, humour and energy into each fantastical performance she makes! She has performed internationally, recently appeared on Channel 4’s The Posh Frock Shop, was awarded 2nd Place at Miss Pinup Uk 2018 and brought her comedy madness to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival earlier this year. And if that’s not enough Miss Strawberry Moon is charging into 2019 producing an annual event Catwalk Cabaret heralding the work of costume makers in burlesque, cabaret and drag! It's an amazing chat and so go to my instagram account (stephanie_legs) or Miss Moon's if you want to see the Barry Gibb photo!  A big thanks again to Miss Strawberry Moon for coming on the show! To contact Miss Moon go to: Facebook: Amanda Blyth (Miss Strawberry Moon) Instagram: Miss Strawberry Moon Twitter: Miss_S_Moon

Born in January of 1980, Chris first began his journey in the Martial Arts aged 8. Inspired, as many were at the time, by the movie 'The Karate Kid', Chris joined the local Taekwondo school in his home town of Balby in Doncaster. He enjoyed the high energy kicking style associated with Olympic Taekwondo, although unfortunately the school had to close forcing Chris to look at other options to continue his training. In the mid to late 90's Chris switchted to the ITF style of Taekwondo. Around the same time he discovered the work of Jackie Chan, quickly amassing a large collection of VHS tapes, Chris would spend hours trying to emulate the moves of his new found hero. He began recording his training and sharing the footage online via Martial Arts based internet forums. It was there that UK director and producer Steve Lawson first spotted Chris and offered him his first job in 2000 on a short film shot for a TV show.   The following year, Chris was invited to perform as part of the 'Rising Dragon' Martial Arts team at the Royal Variety Performance. To perform for the Queen was a huge honour! Following on from this, Chris worked many  UK productions such as 'Left 4 Dead', Insiders', 'The Purifiers' and 'Displaced' before landing his first job as Fight Choreographer on 2005 release 'Soul Searcher' Shortly after completing work on Soul Searcher, Chris was asked to Choreograph a fight scene on the award winning 'Love Struck' as well as playing a small acting role in the movie 'The Silencer'. This gave Chris the opportunity to work with talented fight peformers and actors such as Joey Ansah, Christian Howard & Glen Salvage. He also gained valuable set time working with a vastly experienced crew and production team. Around the same time, Chris gained experience working on live TV as well as appearing on the popular BBC TV show 'Prank Patrol', he also travelled to Norway to act as Fight Choreographer on the live action adaptation of comicbook 'Smasher'. Earlier, in mid 2004, Chris gained experience working on the SONY PSP release 'Pursuit Force' as well as working on the Five TV series 'Combat Club' before returning to film Screen Fighting a year or two later in the UK production 'Underground'. In the late 2000's Chris worked in China on 'Blood: The Last Vampire', the UK TV series 'Star Hyke' as well as the movies 'Ten Dead men' and 'Bodyguard: A new beginning'. In 2009, Chris decided to take time away to spend time with his family and develop his Martial Arts Academy. 2013 saw a return to action as Fight Choreographer on the multiple award winning 'DOG' as well as working most recently as a screen fighter and choreographer on the films 'Vengeance', 'Wendy' and 'Essex Heist'. Click here for Chris's social media Facebook: Screenfighter Twitter: Chris_Jones80 Instagram: Chris_Jones_Action

This week I chat to the very entertaining and talented Ian Longstaff. Ian began his career in London, on the comedy circuit as a comedy poet, breaking into the UK comedy circuit, performing in stand up clubs up and down Britain, publishing his poems and performing poetry at live comedy gigs. By a twist of fate he ended up becoming Ralph Fiennes body double for the Harry Potter films. Long days on set, stuck in the dark lords make up can test anyone. Listen as Ian tells the whole story himself and how he is good friends with Daniel Radcliffe.  Ian closes the show by reading out some of his funniest poems, my request as I think it's still fresh and original since the day I first heard it. Sit back and enjoy episode 32 with Ian Longstaff. If you want to see Ian live and in person he will be at the Stars of Time Comic Con in Weston-super-Mare on Sunday 2nd December 2018.  Stars of Time Film Or click on these links to find Ian. Facebook: Ian Longstaff www.voldy.co.uk 

This week I chat to Dynasty a young drag queen starting out on her drag journey. She can be found down at Filthy Gorgeous a fortnightly drag night in Canal Street plus many other glam nights in and around Manchester. Possibly one of the noisiest interviews apologies for the background banging! That's Canal Street under development for you! A big thanks to Harley aka Dynasty - she was so good to give up her time to come and talk to the show. Check out her instagram accounts and facebook page - she has the most wonderful look and style! Where you can find Dynasty: Harley_L_S_M (Twitter) Harleyluke (Snapchat) Itsdynastybitch(Instagram) harleyluke_mua(Instagram) Harlequinnlegrotesque(Instagram)

This week I chat to Eileen Bothways an amazing drag performer who has performed all over the world. They have just come 2nd at the World Burlesque Games, as well as constantly appearing in drag shows up and down the UK. A former theatre producer, Eileen chats to us about their journey into starting drag, developing their look, the make up, a signature of their amazing transformations plus injuries sustained in the quest of being the best in drag!! Check out Eileen's links here: Facebook: Eileen Bothways  Twitter: Eileen Bothways Instagram: Eileen Bothways World Burlesque Games  

This week I chat to Alice Ashurst better known as Lilly Von Ice. A great episode where we start on her journey into performance at the age of three as an ice skater! Alice then describes how she later entered into the world of burlesque via pole classes and learning circus skills on the way. Lilly Von Ice is a professional performance artist based in the North specialising in circus acts, burlesque and pole. Instructor at Polefire Siren Asylum. sirenasylum.co.uk Drama and sex (Drex), our Alice has it all. She is the master of making anyone feel at ease in seconds, and bringing out the best in you. Alice also does all the crazy stuff on the pole where you look like someone's broken you, folded you in half, then put you back together wrong! Our Alice also specialises in burlesque, teaching and performing. Helping you learn the art of tease and how to make the smallest of movements look so sensual. You can also find Lilly Von Ice here: Facebook: Lilly Von Ice Facebook: Alice Ashurst Instagram: Lilly Von Ice Twitter: Alice Ashurst  

This week I chat to Bunny Ron, yes that is his actual name! Originally from Bradford in England, Bunny moved to Australia to further his magic skills and performance. We chat about his trial at Manchester United Football club after being spotted by football scouts. But then due to personal circumstances he changes career and starts out on his magic once more. Once in Oz Bunny is now developing, performing and continues to hone his magic act. A great episode - thanks again Bunny. You can find him here: Facebook: Bunny Ron Instagram: Bunny_ron7

This week I chat to the wonderful and multi-talented Naomi Paxton.    Naomi trained as a performer at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). After ten years as a professional actor, she started a PhD. Her doctoral research at the University of Manchester explored the work of the Actresses' Franchise League and the contribution of theatre professionals to the suffrage campaign. In 2013 she edited The Methuen Drama Book of Suffrage Plays (Bloomsbury) which launched at a Platform event at the National Theatre entitled Suffragettes on Stage. Other publications include Stage Rights! The Actresses' Franchise League, Activism and Politics 1908-1958 (Manchester University Press, 2018) and a second edited collection, The Methuen Drama Book of Suffrage Plays: Taking the Stage (Bloomsbury, 2018). A confident, engaging and creative public speaker, Naomi was one of the AHRC/BBC Radio 3 New Generation Thinkers for 2014-15.  Her extensive public engagement experience includes regular appearances on BBC radio and television, and talks at the National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, the Barbican, the National Archives, the Hay Festival and Latitude Festival, amongst others.  ​Naomi is the regular MC for Museums Showoff and the V&A Museum's Carry on Curating shows, Naomi is currently Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London,  Associate Fellow of the School of Advanced Study, University of London, and an Associate Artist of feminist production hub Scary Little Girls.    She worked in Parliament from 2017-18 on an AHRC funded project entitled What Difference Did the War Make? World War One and Votes for Women and was nominated for a Parliamentary Diversity and Inclusion Award for her work with the Vote 100 team.  She performs at comedy, cabaret and variety nights as her character Ada Campe. Ada won the prestigious New Act of the Year Show (NATYS) in 2018, and the 2018 Old Comedian of the Year competition. Naomi has contributed to two recent books about women in comedy, The What the Frock! Book of Funny Women (2015) and Stand Up & Sock It To Them Sister (2016).  You can follow Naomi on Twitter @NaomiPaxton Twitter @AdaCampe Facebook @naomipaxton Website www.naomipaxton.co.uk Instagram @naomi.paxton  

This week I chat to David Bonfadini aka The Magic Crasher. David Bonfadini “The Magicianist” inspires us all to “Keep it Real, Keep it Magic, Keep it Real Magic.” As a result of Bonfadini’s primarily auto-didactic (self-taught) ways, David has developed a completely original presentational style and truly unique ways of performing even the simplest of effects, transcending his audience’s typical shock and awe into pure astonishment and wonder. His demeanor and personality, combined with his passion, talent for sleight-of-hand magic and Master Improv skills allows him to control his audience, big or small, street or stage, without them ever feeling imposed upon. David is also an expert at improvisation and ad-libbing, allowing him to give every audience a unique show, engaging them on both an intellectual and visceral level. In addition to being a true master of the challenging arts, Bonfadini also is a member of the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, He is a natural character with witty ways ensuring that his audience will be asking for more. Bonfadini Sticks out in the Magic World. He has created a market for Guerrilla Marketing, Magic, and Social Media together along with Product placement from major Companies. David’s past Clients include Rockstar Energy Drink, Nixon Watches, Spy Sunglasses, Brownie Brittle, and Many more. Among this unique innovated way of Marketing and Product placement, Bonfadini also has been researching and developing a course on Autism & Magic Therapy. Bonfadini will never stop using his Gift and Passion for People and Magic until the whole world feels his Magic! www.themagiccrasher.com Youtube: The Magic Crasher Twitter: @BonfadiniMagic Instagram: themagiccrasher Facebook: The Magic Crasher

This week I chat to the wonderful Valen Vain. Valen is a male model as well as a burlesque performer, and also an events organiser. We talked about his journey into modelling which started with Bizarre magazine. As he says himself he is excessively flamboyant, a pole dancer, compere, boylesque artist and comedian. Plus owner of cult of Vain Events, inventor of K.E.N and frontman of Sordid Lies! But when I chatted to him he's a bloody lovely guy, so effortless to talk to and very open about all his talents. So pleased to have him on the show. Plus currently holds these titles to:Alternative Model of the Year Male Winner 2016 Sexy Compere Flirtacious. I've got the best! Thanks Valen!!  You can find Valen here: Facebook: Valen Vain Twitter: Valen Vain Instagram: Valen Vain IMDb: Valen Vain

This week I chat to Marko who is a circus performer and workshop teacher. Marko has been performing for over 11 years now and travels the UK impressing audiences with his many skills, juggling, the diablo, stilt walking, the list is endless.   We also chat about his hero Norman Wisdom, how Norman got started in showbiz himself and his journey into stardom. A very interesting part of the podcast plus a short bit on Tommy Cooper and how he came to choose a fez! So it's all here in this week's episode. A big thanks to Marko and here's where you can find him: Facebook: Mark 'Marko' Taylor Instagram: markoscircus    

This week I chat to the wonderful and gorgeous Victoria Scone. She’s an unhinged West End diva. She’s desperate for success and appears confident, but is full of doubts, but when she performs, my word what a voice! I chatted to Victoria mid Drag Idol 2018 competition back in May when she had reached the final and was prepping for the big day. We chat all things, drag, how she started in musical theatre, entering a plus size beauty pageant which paved the way for Victoria being created. From singing lessons to acting in the Little Shop of Horrors, Victoria has tread the boards in various guises! But enough of my ramblings. You can find Victoria below here on social media.  Thanks again to the wonderful Victoria Scone! Facebook: Victoria Scone Instagram: Victoriaqueenofscones  

This week I chat to Leah and Etienne better known as Acrobatrix! They are a double-act comedy circus acrobat spectacular, who've been performing for the last 5 years across the world. Acrobatrix is a two-person comedy circus with plenty of bending, flipping and flying through the air-- the show is action packed from start to finish.  We talk about how the double act was formed, how they keep physically in shape to perform a very athletic show. What their audiences love about their shows and their journey from traditional theatre comedy improv to a fabulous act of stunts and jokes.  We also learn about the Renaissance festivals and cruise ship shows they perform at they have never stopped building and training and growing their craft. It's a great interview. Thanks so much Acrobatrix! You can find Acrobratix here: Website: www.acrobatrix.com Instagram: acrobatrix Facebook: Acrobatrix

This week I chat to Bella Donna who is one of the Monster Cirque acts go check her out on here: Bella Donna Bella takes us through her multi-skilled performances which can include burlesque, fire eating, body burning, fire fans, fire sword fire staff, podium dancing, bed of nails, hot wax, angle grinding and snake charmer. Do not try anything like this at home!!! Bella is a professional. We cover her recent win as Miss Stoke on Trent and the up and coming Miss Alternative England competition. Which now have a variety of tasks each contestant must complete, e.g. working with a charitable cause, making an environmentally friendly outfit etc.. so many new twists and turns on an old format.  Bella has also performed as a zombie and called upon to lurch and scream her way on video shoots and film sets. I didn't get to hear her scream but it's apparently very loud!  Plus her new agency of erotic horror models - check out her Facebook page and instagram account for brilliant pics! Thanks again Donna for coming on the show.  Facebook: Annabella Victoria Stanyer Instragram: Bella Stanyer

This week is another interview from the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 and I chat to a female musical comedy double act, Witt 'n Camp who are Charlie Howitt and Holly Campbell.  The show is an unforgettable sixty minutes of cabaret, character stand up, musical comedy, and burlesque. Lots of characters appearing in the show including, Wittundra & Deborah, they reached dizzying heights of fame after transforming Nicki Minaj into classic arias, creating a new genre “HipOpera”. Plus Bridget & Braun, two battery hens who dream of escaping their shitty boyfriend Steve.  We also talk about the show's conception, how they developed the characters and the edit process leading up to staging their debut Edinburgh show! A massive thank you again to Charlie and Holly. So enjoy the interview and listen out for the singing swing nuns story! You can find Witt 'n Camp here: Facebook: Witt 'n Camp Twitter: Wittncamp

This week I chat to the very talented Dominic Frisby, character comic, voice-over artist, actor, stand-up and author. Dominic started his career as an actor and voice over artist, then by chance graduating onto the comedy circuit by chance via his brother who knew Malcolm Hardee, a legendary London stand up of his day. Dominic achieved great success in the character comedy world as his many guises of The Upper Class Wrapper, Maurice the Morris Dancer, Ludvig the Bavarian and many more.  Frustrated by promoters attitudes towards character comedy, he moved into writing, an interest in finance and bitcoins yielded two books and a host of speaking engagements and writing for financial magazines.  But never leaving his passion for comedy, Dominic continues to delight and enthral audiences performing stand up and also compering his own one man show as part of the Edinburgh Festival 2018. A big thank you to Dominic for taking the time to come on the podcast! If you want to find Dominic he can be found here: Facebook: Dominic Frisby Twitter: Dominic Frisby Website: dominicfrisby.com Instagram: @frizzers  

This week I chatted to Spring Day, Ian Fox and Al Lubel, all live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Spring Day Who runs the world? Not this bitch. I handed the keys to a drunk guy. Come see Spring Day (her real name!), voted Brooklyn's Best Comedian, tell true tales of the selfishly selfless. It’s a night of sharp, dark, brutal and relentlessly bubbly comedy that is straight from the heart and hits below the belt. You'll laugh, be inspired and feel better about your lot in life, you patronizing bastard. 'A definite must-see!' **** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Wickedly delivered punchlines. The audience absolutely loved her, no doubt you will too' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). Spring Day: Strong Codependent Woman at City Cafe / 9.15pm Instagram: springdaycomedy Ian Fox Ian Fox is your host as he comperes four top-quality fowl-mouthed acts, hand-plucked from around the festival. For the poultry sum of a bucket contribution on eggsit. Guaranteed to be clucking funny. Ian Fox: Funny Cluckers - Best of the Fest at The Three Sisters / 2.45pm Al Lubel Al Lubel became a lawyer to satisfy his mother. He then quit the law and became a standup comedian to satisfy his need to disappoint her. Al practiced law during the day and comedy at night. Getting stage time is hard for a new comic so Al would suddenly stand up in the middle of restaurants and do his act. And as he says, “I almost always got big laughs because I had everyone’s complete attention because everyone was scared that I might hurt them.” Al gradually began getting work at comedy clubs and within a year he won the $100,000 Comedy Grand Prize on television’s Star Search. Doing the Tonight Show was a childhood fantasy, so Al auditioned and became one of the last comics to appear with Johnny Carson. He went on to make six more appearances with Jay Leno and five appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman. Al was the subject of the documentary, A Standup Life, directed by Peter Lydon for the BBC. A documentary about American standup comedy, it features Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, Mort Sahl and Joan Rivers. Al has played an attorney on the Blake Clark HBO Comedy Hour. He has also played played Bill Walton’s sidekick in the the ESPN series, Bill Walton’s Long Strange Trip. Al’s solo show, Mentally Al, won the Amused Moose Award Judges Prize as the best one person show in the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Two years later he was nominated for best performer of a solo show by the Barry Awards at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In March 2016, Al was Marc Maron’s guest on WTF with Marc Maron. But Al does admit to missing the practice of law. He says, “I’d like to have just one more trial, something serious like a murder trial because right before I give my closing argument and my client’s fate hinges on every word I say I want to see his face when I turn to him and whisper, I’m a comedian!” Al Lubel: This is the title of the show - Ciao Roma / 5.50pm Instagram: al.lubel  

This week I chat to the fabulous and gorgeous Verushka Darling, international drag queen, multi award winning, multi qualified, multi gendered, multi talented, multi tasking, multi media megastar...with lovely shoes. Based in Sydney, Australia. Verushka has been performing for many years bringing glamour and style to her shows and her unique brand of comedy. I was lucky to grab this very busy lady for a chat, so get a coffee or tea sit back and enjoy my lovely guest Verushka Darling!   In her own words: "We used to live in Hong Kong, and when we visited my parents' friends they had some ornamental glass slippers on the mantelpiece. I slipped them on... a showgirl was born."   You can find Verushka Darling here: Facebook: Verushka Darling Instagram: Verushka.Darling

This week I chat to Jay Coates who is one of the creatives behind Cognitive Merchant which stems from a love of DnD and all thing Fantasy. Jay also works alongside his partner Bea Noir (episode 12) who has been on the show already, jointly the run lots of performance nights which Jay will sometimes host. An interesting story in this episode of how Jay found himself mc-ing his first gig! I also pay a visit to their workshop and meet some of the team including Magik Ash (episode 11) and Bea Noir. Jay and his team started out painting minis for their fellow DnD players and rebinding worn out player's handbooks. Now, they have made it their mission, to create beautiful, bespoke items, worthy of the adventurers that wield them.  We also chat about his collection of tattoo's and love of live action role play. For all details to find Jay and Cognitive Merchant it's all listed below! Enjoy!    You can find all the links here: Facebook: Cognitive Merchant or Jay Coates Twitter: cognitivemerch Instagram: cognitivemerchant or jw_spotlight Website: Cognitive Merchant Youtube: Cognitive Merchant

This week I chat to the wonderful sultry showgirl and mistress of tease Cherie Bebe, burlesque dancer and a lady who runs a host of events and burlesque review shows. In this episode you'll get a taste of life in the burlesque world, from attending auditions and castings to getting the perfect music for that perfect performance. Cherie takes us on her journey where she started on a performing arts degree course, also film studies and English literature through to taking acting classes through to her stage shows as a burlesque performer and now appearing on Hollyoaks as her new character, Phoenix! A scoop and a half there for Funny Peculiar! A very busy lady, sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode.  You can find Cherie Bebe on: Facebook: Cherie Bebe Instagram: Cheriebebeburlesquereview

This week's guest is the very talented Jynx Monster. Jynx is a multi-skilled performer, she entertains audiences up and down the length and breadth of Great Britain, with dare devil performances which are not to be attempted at home! Listed below are just a variety of her skills. Jynx is also a member for the Monster Cirque collective which is a group of ladies who all perform various acts including breathing fire to fire swords, angle grinding to sparkling special effects. It's a great episode so have a listen and if you enjoyed it, let me and Jynx know, you can leave comments on the Funny Peculiar website or on instagram. Thanks again to Jynx Monster. Just some of Jynx's skills: Fire Eating, Body Burning, Fire Fans, ​Fire Swords, Podium Dance, Bed of Nails, Blockhead, Glass Walking, Glass Eating, Drill Head, Human Stapling, Machete Bed, Machete Ladder   Instagram: Jynx Monster Facebook: Jynx Monster MonsterCirque Website: Jynx Monster

This week I catch up with the character comic John Cooper. With his brilliant creation Danny Pensive. From comedy and training to commercial illustration and design, John has no end of talent and interest in these areas. John has performed in hundreds of theatres around the UK and internationally as part of the Comedy Sportz Manchester improv troupe. He has delivered workshops on how to use humour in business presentations, taking part in the BBC2 series ‘The Speaker’ and the BBC New Comedy Awards. His illustration work has been exhibited in UK galleries, in print and on TV. John is author of Present Yourself! – An illustrated guide to speaking in public and building confidence and the host of the ‘Bring a Brick’ podcast. So come and find John now!  You can visit his website www.rocketsteps.co.uk Instagram: johncooper_uk Twitter: johncooper_uk Facebook: John Cooper

This week I chat to the sensational Bea Noir, a multi-skilled performer living in Manchester, originally from Poland. Bea is involved in a host of events and projects which find her performing various acts. These include, bed of nails, fire eating and breathing, pole dancing and guitar grinding! To name but a few. A great episode where I find out so much about her performance routines, the safety precautions which have to be taken and the crowds reactions that Bea just loves to feed off! Enjoy. Bea is involved with Monster Cirque, co-owner of Bea Fit and also co-owner of Cognitive Merchant. If you want to book or follow Bea here are the details: Facebook: Bea Noir Instagram: BeaNoir86 Twitter: Beanoir86    

This week I chat to Magik Ash, a magician based in the North West of England, who has over 8 years of experience as a magician. Ash can dazzle an audience with incredible sleight of hand, making signed playing Cards appear to impossible locations with fantastic one lined jokes that will leave anyone cry with laughter and crazy props and abilities that will make any person scratch their head with confusion. From Close-up magic at tables to being onstage at cabaret shows and other stage events.  To follow Magik Ash you can on social media: Instragram: Magik Ash Facebook: Magic Ash

This week I chat to Mel Hudson, manager of Pop Boutique in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Mel showed me around the Oldham Street store, an immense variety of vintage clothing from the 60', 70's and 80's. Mel has worked there for many years and knows every inch of the shop and the vast array of clothing and furniture throughout the store. The Pop Boutique shop first opened in 1994 in the heart of the Northern Quarter. The ground floor is packed with vintage, pop recycled and pop boutique own brand goodies. The basement is huge and full of quirky vintage clothing, furniture and everything a vintage junkie needs to get their fix. Within the building they also have Barbarella for a hair do and the blue daisy café for eats (all made in the basement kitchen) and awesome coffee. So it's retro and vintage all under one roof! Go check it out! Website: www.pop-boutique.com Facebook: Pop Boutique Instagram: Pop Boutique Manchester Instragram for Mel: womanimel

Ernesto Tomasini is an Italian actor/singer/writer living in Britain. Best known for his more recent forays into contemporary music, he has also had a 30-year career on the stage. Ernesto begun his career at 16 on the Italian comedy circuit and, later, in the legitimate theatre. Throughout his teens Ernesto devised comedy sketches and sang songs in smoky clubs and small cabaret spaces in his home town of Palermo. On one instance he caused a riot by performing his "outrageous" show at a conservative political party's celebrations. He kept his cabaret activities secret from his parents; his mother found out the truth about her son's suspicious nights out long after his debut, by reading an article about his shows on the national press. He has sung his repertoire in London venues like the Royal Albert Hall (main house and Elgar Room), Purcell Room, National Theatre, Roundhouse, Cadogan Hall, Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery, and in historical theatres, museums and churches around the world. As a recording artist he sings on thirteen albums, four singles, five music videos and on the soundtrack of a film by Bruce LaBruce. For more information click below. Thanks   You can find Ernesto Tomasini here: Website: www.ernestotomasini.com Twitter: @ernestotomasini Facebook: Ernesto Tomasini Instragram: ernesto_tomasini Wikipedia: Ernesto Tomasini  

This week I catch up with Jane Miller who has been a fetish club organiser for Club Lash in Manchester. We chat about how the scene has changed over the years and the different styles of costume, outfits and clothing used with in the fetish scene. Fetish has long since been associated with a darker side of club culture but more recently has increased it's visibility within the mainstream media. Anyway enough of me, have a listen and Jane (plus Alfie her dog) will tell you all about it. You can find Club Lash here; Instagram: Club Lash Facebook: Club Lash Youtube: Club Lash Twitter: @clublash

This week I chat to Daniel Dorian Johnson better known as Mr Freak, a sword swallower, fire eater and a blockhead! Not a member of Ian Dury's backing band but a common term for a lot of circus acts who like to nail things into their heads and other parts of the anatomy! Mr Freak the sideshow geek, has been performing his incredible act for some years now, his stage name deriving from, in part an ode to the old freak show acts of the day like Zippo and Joseph Merrick aka The Elephant man. Mr Freak also talks about the different styles of sideshow acts between the UK and USA plus taking us on a journey through the history of sword swallowing! And remember don't try any of this at home!! It's bloody dangerous! You can find Mr. Freak here: Facebook: Daniel Dorian Johnson (Mr Freak) Instragram: mrfreak_swordswallower  

This week I chat to Blaq Ivory an Asian drag queen from Manchester's gay village. Blaq has been going for 15 years and shares some great stories of her experiences as a drag act on the circuit.  Growing up in Rochdale she tells of her journey from the early stages of creating her alter ego, appearing as just a t-girl but then blossoming into a professional drag artist with a comedy character element and with star quality. Thanks again to Blaq Ivory for coming on the Funny Peculiar Podcast! You can find Blaq Ivory on Facebook: @BlaqIvory  

This week I'm chatting to Nim Burgin, a Manchester based costume designer who has designed many wonderful garments and outfits for performers and general public.  Nim has been making unique, one-off clothing for herself and clients for 25 years now, and corsets for the last 10 years. She always gets a thrill from seeing a client fall in love with their finished custom-made piece. Her styles range from vintage & burlesque, to delicately detailed cosplay & historical costume, with many layers of fabulousness in between. For more information you can visit Nim here: Email: nim@nimburgin.com www.nimburgin.com Facebook: @NimBurginClothing Instagram: nim_burgin

This week I'm chatting to the wonderful Trixie Blue, burlesque performer who is based in Newcastle, in the UK.  Trixie is a multi-award winning burlesque enchantress (currently the Bohemian Princess at the Bohemian Burlesque Festival Prague & 1st Runner up title at the British Crown at the World Burlesque Games), Trixie blue, is highly acclaimed for her seductive prowess and jaw dropping performances. She has captivated audiences around the UK for over 26 years, 8 of which are solely dedicated to burlesque. Her repertoire showcases the beauty and debauchery of burlesques transgressive form; from fierce seduction, in Trixie’s interpretation of Fran from the film Strictly Ballroom to her playful, sensual striptease acts, which always leaves audiences asking for more. To follow Trixie you can visit her website: www.houseoftrixieblue.co.uk Instagram: @houseoftrixieblue Twiiter: @houseofTB Facebook: TrixieBlue

My guest this week is Kitty Kinns, lover of Lolita dresses, latex model and dominatrix. Kitty has been in the fetish scene for some years now enjoying all different looks and fashions, but her passion is for the Japanese sub-culture of the Lolita style. In a wonderful episode Kitty shows me a few of her many outfits which is part of a bigger collection, how she started the look and what drives her on for more fabulous outfits!! She also chats about her other alter ego Princess Aurora, the dominatrix character!!  So come with me again into the world of Funny Peculiar. You can find Kitty Kinns on Instragram: KittyKinns

In my second episode I chat to North-East based magician Chris Cross. Chris has performed his tricks worldwide from New York t New Zealand, Bahrain to Dubai, London to Paris and most places between! Some previous gigs have seen Chris entertain many celebrities and he's even performed for the British and International royalty. So please rise for the brilliant Chris Cross. You can find Chris Cross at www.chris-cross.co.uk Twitter: @thechriscross Instagram: chriscrossofficial

Thank you to my first guest the wonderful Cheddar Gorgeous. As described by her own Instagram account as a unicorn, alien, and Idealist. Performing drag since 2011 Cheddar has enthralled audiences with her unique look and style. Walk around Manchester and you can witness a variety of different drag styles but none so defining as Cheddar's look. She is based in Manchester, UK. For bookings and collaborations email Cheddardangerous@gmail.com Instagram: @cheddar_gorgeous Twitter: @cheddargawjus Facebook: cheddargorgeous