🤣 Maisie Adam: Comedy, Football & Life on the Road

In this episode of Routes from LNER, Clara Amfo sits down with award-winning comedian and football fan Maisie Adam for a hilarious chat about life on tour, childhood holidays, and navigating the comedy world.Maisie talks about growing up in Harrogate, visiting Leeds for gigs and nights out, and her family’s annual Blackpool trips, where spotting Blackpool Tower and Playing on the pier was a childhood thrill. She shares her deep love for Leeds United, how she rediscovered football through the women’s game, and what it’s like to meet her sporting heroes—cue an iconic encounter with Leah Williamson.On the comedy front, Maisie reveals the reality of tour life, from taking endless photos of hotel room doors so she can remember her room number to watching Family Guy and Naked Attraction in Premier Inns. She debunks the myth that comedians create new jokes every night and explains why Edinburgh Waverley Station gives her anxiety every August. Plus, she spills on her dream Strictly routine (hint: Billy Elliot vibes), her hiking and Aperol spritz holidays, and that time she played a Vuvuzela with Sir Trevor McDonald.From Yorkshire Dales hikes to Jamaica beach days, this episode is packed with laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the UK’s funniest stand-ups.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNERChapter Markers:01:20 – Maisie’s Yorkshire roots: growing up in Harrogate, school days, and nights out in Leeds.3:00 – Childhood friendships: lifelong mates, nights at the darts, and transitioning into adulthood.4:20 – Maisie’s accidental career in cross-country running (but her true love is football).6:00 – Comedy origins: learning storytelling from her family and studying the greats like Lee Evans & Victoria Wood.10:00 – A big family Christmas (and why Maisie’s mum is the ultimate storyteller).11:20 – Holidays past & present: childhood summers in Blackpool, chasing the illuminations, and growing up with family traditions.15:00 – Game time! Maisie & Clara play National Treasure Top Trumps (with hilarious debates over Sir Trevor McDonald vs. Dame Julie Walters).21:00 – Football fandom: growing up as a Leeds fan, falling out of love with the men’s game, and finding joy in women’s football.27:00 – Starstruck moments: Maisie meets her football heroes and (tries) to play it cool.29:00 – The reality of touring: hotel room doors, Naked Attraction marathons, and train life.33:40 – Best & worst train stations: Why Leeds is a dream and why Edinburgh Waverley gives comedians nightmares.39:00 – Holidays as a comedian: from wild party trips in Zante to cozy cottage getaways.42:00 – Comedy secrets revealed: Do comedians do the same material every night? (Clara’s mind is blown! 🤯)46:00 – Maisie’s favourite places to perform and the challenges of doing a hometown show.48:40 – A surprise audience moment: Maisie’s grandma’s carers steal the show!49:40 – Wrapping up: Maisie’s Appraisal tour continues—get your tickets now!