Life can’t just be the humdrum, the mundane and the routine before the inevitable slide to disease, decay and death. Why can’t we sneak in a bit of awesome, a tad of amazing and maybe a smidge of wonderful? A forest canopy opening onto a huge vista would be enchanting for some but my ancestors wandered in the desert for forty years, I think we’ve been outdoors enough. Others get their fix from the spiritual but I’ve been harbouring a grudge against God since my mother stopped me going to Arsenal after my Barmitzvah. Forty-nine years ago. ’God will be watching’ she said. Well, at least he got to see the game. The point is, life could be so much better so I’m on the lookout. Come and join me on the hunt.
Ian Stone is a hugely experienced broadcaster, podcaster and writer and a brilliantly funny comedian. He performs at major comedy festivals and venues globally. His popular posts and reels on social media have quickly earned him a following of over 60k across BlueSky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, amassing millions of views.
In the last three years, Ian has performed his one-man shows at the Edinburgh Festival to packed rooms and great reviews. In 2023, he won the prestigious Spirit of the Fringe Award. He took his last show on tour across the UK, finishing with a sold-out performance at London’s Comedy Store. Ian recently returned from making his debut at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He will be returning to Edinburgh with Looking for the Wow before kicking off his UK tour.
Aside from stand-up comedy, Ian co-hosted the award-winning Rock ‘N’ Roll Football show on Absolute Radio for five years with Ian Wright. He currently presents a very popular (50k downloads per episode), twice-weekly Arsenal podcast, Handbrake Off, for The Athletic. A live version of the podcast recently sold out Leicester Square Theatre in London. Ian is also a regular contributor on Times Radio. His book To Be Someone was published in 2020 and has received nearly 500 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon.
We caught up with Ian to learn more.
Ian, you've had a diverse career in comedy, broadcasting and writing. How has your journey evolved over the years?
I get to say ‘no’ more.
I get to say ‘no’ more.
Your new shows shares a desire to find the "awesome" in life. Can you share any specific experiences?
Off the top of my head, seeing Queen live at the Rainbow theatre in London in 1979.
Off the top of my head, seeing Queen live at the Rainbow theatre in London in 1979.
How do personal experiences and life lessons manifest in your comedy?
It's me on stage talking - so I'd say completely, utterly and entirely. It's not an act
It's me on stage talking - so I'd say completely, utterly and entirely. It's not an act
Performing at major festivals like Edinburgh and Leicester must be exhilarating. What have been some standout career moments for you?
I think Paul Weller phoning me up one morning and telling me that he really liked my book about The Jam will take some beating.
I think Paul Weller phoning me up one morning and telling me that he really liked my book about The Jam will take some beating.
What does the Leicester Comedy Festival mean to you?
I like coming to Leicester. I like the city, and people come and see me and laugh in the right places. At least they have done to this point.
I like coming to Leicester. I like the city, and people come and see me and laugh in the right places. At least they have done to this point.
Your social media presence is impressive, with millions of views and a growing follower count. How do you think social media has changed the way comedians connect with their audience?
People can watch me while they're in their own bed. Or while they're on the loo. That never used to be the case.
People can watch me while they're in their own bed. Or while they're on the loo. That never used to be the case.
Your podcast, Handbrake Off, has gained significant traction. What do you enjoy most about hosting it, and how does it differ from your stand-up routines?
I've got a job where I get to talk about Arsenal. It's not the worst job I've ever had. It differs from my stand up routines in that my stand up is not reliant on Bukayo Saka and the rest of the team. Whereas the mood of the podcast is very much down to them.
I've got a job where I get to talk about Arsenal. It's not the worst job I've ever had. It differs from my stand up routines in that my stand up is not reliant on Bukayo Saka and the rest of the team. Whereas the mood of the podcast is very much down to them.
How does your passion for Arsenal influence your stand-up material?
Not that much really. They're both passions but with the football, aside from cheering louder, I have no control over the outcome
Not that much really. They're both passions but with the football, aside from cheering louder, I have no control over the outcome
Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect from your forthcoming tour?
The world is a bin fire and every time I watch the news, it just feels bleak. So I'm trying to find a bit of wow where I can. The show is really about those two competing narratives
The world is a bin fire and every time I watch the news, it just feels bleak. So I'm trying to find a bit of wow where I can. The show is really about those two competing narratives
With so many projects on your plate, including stand-up, podcasting, and writing, how do you manage your time? Do you have any tips for aspiring comedians trying to juggle multiple commitments?
I mess about wasting days on end until something is really urgent and then I concentrate really hard on that. I don't think I'm qualified to give tips to anyone on time management.
I mess about wasting days on end until something is really urgent and then I concentrate really hard on that. I don't think I'm qualified to give tips to anyone on time management.
As someone who has been in the comedy scene for years, what advice would you give to budding comedians who are just starting out?
Write jokes, try jokes, refine jokes, repeat.
Write jokes, try jokes, refine jokes, repeat.
Tickets for Ian Stone’s UK tour are on sale now, visit : www.ianstonecomedian.co.uk
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