PODCAST · comedy
You Should've Been Here Last Week
by Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin
They say doing stand-up is the hardest job - so here's a rundown on how it's done from the prime movers in comedy! Every fortnight respected comedians, Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts interview esteemed figures in the industry from the UK and beyond. If you're interested in getting involved or finding out more about live promotion or performance, then this irreverent show pulls back the curtain on the world of professional comedy! You can watch every interview on our YouTube channel. Want to support our show? Contributions can be made to Steve's Ko-fi account or Paul's JokePit account. Get in touch with us by <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target=
Episodes
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Tony De Meur aka Ronnie Golden Tribute
Steve and Paul pay tribute to singer, musician and comedian Tony De Meur, also known as Ronnie Golden, who passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. An alternative comedy pioneer appearing on the Young Ones, he became a beloved musical comedian forming a legendary double act with Barry Cryer....
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Andrew White - "Edinburgh Fringe - slog & hardship all part of the favour"
Andrew White, currently in Edinburgh performing his new show to rave reviews, is an in-demand comedian, writer and radio host. He talks about his love for the Edinburgh Fringe, Bournemouth FC, coming out to his family onstage and the power of social media in comedy. #podcast #comedyvideos...
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Paul Sneddon Tribute - A great comic and even greater human being
Paul Sneddon, known by his stage names Vladimir McTavish and Bob Doolally, was a Scottish stand-up comedian, columnist and actor. Paul, who bestroded the Scottish and UK comedy scene for 40 years, died recently. This is an emotional and heartfelt tribute with contributions from friends/fellow...
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Charmian Hughes - "I'm the tortoise of comedy"
Charmian Hughes left a job in advertising to become a clown. But unable to uphold the mime vow of silence, ran away to play stand-up comedy clubs throughout the UK and internationally. An early female stand up ‘When Comedy Was Alternative’, after 4 decades Charmian's still looking forward with...
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Christian Schulte-Loh - "It's not funny first, it's trust, then likeability"
Christian Schulte-Loh is an international stand-up act from Germany who has performed in more than twenty countries. But he learned his craft in the UK before becoming a star at home. He talks about how he performs to audiences across the world in three different languages. You can watch full...
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Dave Vickers - "After 40 years in comedy, I'm having the last laugh and retire"
Dave Vickers, comedy promoter and the beating heart of Banana Cabaret - one of the UK's longest running comedy clubs - stopped the night at the end of May. Dave explains how since 1983 'The Banana' was at the vanguard of the alternative comedy movement, and continued through the golden age of…
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Rachel Fairburn - "One clip, 1.8 million views and Alec Baldwin is following me!"
On the twice award nominated show it's Rachel Fairburn, star of Live at the Apollo and co-host of All Killa No Filla podcast, started in comedy via Tony Blair's New Deal. She talks about the north/south divide, Alec Baldwin and what happens on the female comics' WhatsApp group. You can watch full...
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UK Comedians Pay - How can they survive the cost of living crisis?
On this twice award nominated show it's time to talk about money, UK comedians pay has remained generally static over the last 30 years! But everything else has gone up. How can comedians find ways to increase pay in the unique comedy industry - where supply and demand is not in their favour?…
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Raymond and Mr Timpkins - Promoter said, "Lose the arse stuff." We said, "No!"
The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue has ended after 35 years performing an award-winning act described as "Tim Vine with music". Andy and Tony, the men behind them, talk about why they're stopping, the end of 'spesh acts' and only being offered £300 for their act. One astonishing minute of Raymond...
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Travelling To Comedy Gigs
On the twice award nominated podcast Steve and Paul talk about getting to comedy gig by planes, trains and automobiles. Not forgetting bus, coach, boats or even on foot. Every gig begins with the comic's arrival which might mean erasing nightmare journeys to and from venues. In comedy it's not…
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Dave Thompson - One foot in failure, the other in success!
Dave Thompson - actor, stand-up comedian, clown and writer. Best known for playing Tinky Winky in ‘Teletubbies’, his sacking caused a press sensation in 1997. Here he talks to Steve and Paul about his life and deaths in comedy. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube…
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Nick Revell - "I re-detonated the C-Bomb in UK stand-up comedy."
Nick Revell is a legendary award-winning British comedian and writer for radio and television. Not so much a veteran comedian but a performer and writer constantly re-inventing himself throughout his career. Here he talks to Steve and Paul about his journey in comedy. You can watch full…
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Rosie Jones' Three Rules of Comedy - Are there any rules?
In an recent interview comedian Rosie Jones shared a three-part framework for responsible comedy. Steve and Paul discuss if there are any rules in comedy and can comedians be funny and 'responsible'. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel:...
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Samantha Day - Young comics aren't anarchic, they're predictable!
After 30 years being a recovering accountant and a single Mum, Samantha Day turned to stand-up comedy. She's quickly making up for lost time and is a new distinctive voice on the UK circuit who's already won many awards. Here she talks about the difference in starting a new career when you're 50...
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Shazia Mirza - Grafting and staying the course!
Shazia Mirza is an award winning British Asian Muslim comedian, actress, and writer. She is best known for her stand-up comedy, touring internationally across the USA, Europe and Asia. Now a familiar face on TV, Shazia shares how hard work helped sustain her career. You can watch full interviews...
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Robin Ince - "I'd rather be woke than an ignorant twat!"
After 16 years, comedian, broadcaster and author, Robin Ince resigned from co-presenting role on BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage. After making the decision last September, a month later he appeared at this live show recording to talk to Steve and Paul about how much to he loves the freedom...
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Jessica Fostekew: "Having a son was the turning point"
Jessica Fostekew is a comedian, actor and writer who has appeared on numerous entertainment shows. A regular on BBC Radio 4, BBC 1, Sky as well as being a very successful podcast. Jessica talks to Steve and Paul about how having a son changed her focus on her career. You can watch full interviews...
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Comedy Club Fight Stories - Part 2
More violence in comedy club stories from Steve and Paul. This time the outbreaks are mainly focussed on themselves as they're two comics you just love to hit! You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UshouldvebeenHerelastweek Give £5, £10…
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Comedy Club Fight Stories - Part 1
When punchlines turn to punch ups, jokes to jabs and riffs to biffs. Violence can break out in comedy clubs, either in the audience, onstage, backstage or even in the car park. Steve and Paul tell their favourite stories of outbreaks of comedic fisticuffs. You can watch full interviews with UK...
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Ben Norris: "TV - the money would have destroyed me!"
Ben Norris, successfully set out to be a consummate stand up comedian in 1993. MTV, BBC and Paramount Comedy shows followed as he further honed his live craft. He talks to Steve and Paul about his journey and how new comics these days won't leave the green room to watch closing acts unless…
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Is Artificial Intelligence Funny?
So many things can be improved by using AI. But what about writing stand-up comedy? Steve and Paul decide to find out if AI can write them new sets in their style and judge the results. With special guest Amazon's Alexa. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel:...
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David Tsonos - They said UK comedy crowds were rowdy, so I came over to find out!
David Tsonos, Canadian comedian, writer and actor, came over to the UK over a decade ago. Since then he's become such beloved part of the UK comedy scene that he considers himself to be more a British comic. Plus, he's created an Edinburgh Fringe institution with his 'The Drunken Heckle Show'....
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Alex Petty - Edinburgh Fringe is about open access - not quality control!
Alex Petty, the man behind the Laughing Horse Free Festival - a constant at the Edinburgh Fringe for 21 years. Helping thousand's of comedians to stage shows using the 'free model' to reduce costs for performers and audiences. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube…
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Imran Yusuf - I was s**t until I learned the craft of comedy!
Born in Kenya, raised in Hackney, Imran Yusuf is a well loved and distinctive comedian on UK's stage, screen and radio. Here, he talks about how he developed his style, his voice and his love for learning the craft of comedy. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel:...
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Ninia Benjamin - Never wanted to be a comedian - until I was made redundant!
Born funny, Ninia Benjamin resisted comedy until redundancy forced her hand. She became one third of BBC’s award-winning comedy show 3 Non-Blondes and now's a TV regular. She loves stand up and has strong opinions on the artform. Be warned this interview contains rants! You can watch full...
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Using Heckle Put Downs - When, How, Why?
Heckle Put Downs - a vital part of a comedian's armoury or a sign of unoriginality? Steve and Paul discuss the advantages, dangers, best and worst examples, and if comics should even use them? #podcast #comedyvideos #interview You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube…
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Cancelled Comedians - Career suicide or career move?
In a week when two UK based comedians - Andrew Lawrence and Reginald D Hunter - have faced controversy over social media posts, Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts discuss the furore. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel:...
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Simon Clayton - "Despite suffering a stroke, I'm still a comedian!"
North Londoner, Simon Clayton , started out in comedy in as part of a double act in 1986. He successfully went solo in 1995 and performed nationwide as respected comedian. Until an unforeseen health event in 2020 was the start of new chapter in his life and his wife and fellow comic Mary Bourke....
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Sam Serrano - I don't punch down or up - just myself in the face!
Sam Serrano - Started doing stand up comedy in Liverpool at 13 and is now a rising star in UK comedy. As a gender-fluid and dyspraxic comedian, Sam brings a fresh and unique perspective, leaving audiences in stitches with sharp wit and insightful humour. Sam talks to fellow Liverpudlian comedian...
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Geoff Rowe - I'll get live comedy recognised by the Government
Geoff Rowe - Founder of the UK's biggest comedy festival (Leicester), which led to his order of the British Empire Medal award. Now, as a prime mover behind the Live Comedy Association he wants live comedy to be finally recognised for it's cultural importance to the UK - instead of "glass…
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Arthur Smith - "Leonard Cohen knew I was on his side."
On this award-nominated show - Arthur Smith - UK comedy legend on stage, TV and radio for many decades. Currently narrates BBC's Money for Nothing and star of the brilliant Grumpy Old Men. He has also been a West End playwright - An Evening with Gary Lineker - plus singer, poet, presenter and...
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UK Comedians - worst heckle stories!
UK circuit comedians Martin Davis, Nick Page, Spring Day, Will Hannigan, Pam Ford, Joe Wells, El Baldiniho and show manager Georgina Sowerby reveal the worst heckles they've suffered, observed or been told about. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians on our YouTube channel:...
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Steve and Paul discuss hecklers - you really are not helping!
Respected comics, Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts, reflect on hecklers - people in the audience who interrupt during a comedian's performance. This is prompted by one of the UK's biggest comedians, Peter Kay, being recently criticised for throwing out two audience members who heckled him with his...
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Esther Manito - Confident UK comics come from private schools!
Esther Manito - the Essex born Anglo-Lebanese comedian quickly became a star of UK TV and radio. The first female comedian to perform at Dubai Opera House, and also a finalist in the 2019 Arab British Centre's Award for Culture, Esther chats about how the comedy bug changed her life. #podcast...
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Jeff Innocent: "I get stopped for 6 selfies a day, it takes some getting used to..."
On the award nominated show we have Jeff Innocent, who over along career has been voted British Comedian of the Year, Comic's Comic of the Year and Best Live Club Comedian. But, only after online video clips went viral did he find nationwide recognition. Here he talks to Steve and Paul about how...
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Alan Francis: "A comedian is in the room - an actor is in the play!"
Alan Francis, as a comedian and actor has performed on the most prestigious stages in the UK, as well as appearances on TV, film and radio. Plus he's also written for stage, screen and radio including his own show on BBC Radio 4. He talks about the differences in doing all three disciplines.…
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Ian Moore: "Why live in a Lego box in Crawley when we could live in a demi chateau in France?"
Mod obsessive, Ian Moore, first rose to the top of UK comedy, then commuted from France to gigs after opening a chambres d'hôtes (B&B). Finally becoming a best selling author and chutney producer! This is the story of one man's escape from the comedy circuit. Watch interviews on our YouTube...
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Susan Murray: "The number of funerals I've been to for comics is outrageous."
Comedian Susan Murray has appeared and written for stage, TV and radio during her nearly 30 years in the business. She's also created an online industry booking forum - transforming how her fellow comedians earn a living - and started an annual party where the comedy industry can come together....
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Steve Gribbin: "Jimmy Tarbuck stole my sandwiches."
In 1982, Steve started performing at the very beginnings of Alternative Comedy. Initially in double act "Skint Video" and solo from 1994. He's celebrating 40 years in the business - minus 2 for Covid! Steve explains how he continues to wow audiences without losing his enthusiasm and joy in doing...
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Chris Lynam: "Actual visual comedy, there's not much about any more."
Chris Lynam is a clown who's worked as street performer, cabaret artist and alternative comedy pioneer. Called 'The King of Clowns' by The New York Times, Chris has performed all over the world on stage, film and TV with his own brand of crazed humour, stretching variety to its limits. Chris…
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Paul Sinha: "The Chase was doing okay, but everything changed with Fanny Chmelar."
Paul Sinha is a pro-quizzer, comedian, doctor and broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and is one of the Chasers on the ITV game show The Chase. Paul talks to Steve and Paul about feeling a new found sense of comedic freedom and on having no plan being the best plan. Buy Paul Sinha's autobiography "One...
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Mark Thomas: "There's so many working class voices coming through."
Mark Thomas' work has been in stand-up, multiple TV series, theatre, journalism and the odd bout of performance art. He's the UK's premier political comic and here he talks to Steve and Paul while being naked from the waist down. Watch interviews on our YouTube channel. Support our show!...
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Karen Bayley: "When I first started, my law to myself was you must learn something from every gig you do."
Karen Bayley spent 20 years becoming an overnight success. Now she's a top performer in the UK's best clubs and promoter of her respected long running club in Sutton Coldfield. She talks to Steve and Paul about learning how to enjoy the journey to the top and what makes a 'dog friendly' hotel....
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Juliet Meyers - You Should've Been Here Last Week
Juliet Meyers, respected comedian and writer for some of the UK's biggest TV comics, talks to Steve and Paul about what happens when the performer or the audience fall out of love with a favourite gag! Watch interviews on our YouTube channel. Support our show! Contributions can be made to Steve...
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Social media pros and cons: "It can make your career, or it can break your career."
Social media - it's where comedians find gigs, fans, followers and sometimes career ending situations. Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts talk about the pros and cons for comics of being on the socials! Contributions can be made to Steve Gribbin's Ko-fi account: https://ko-fi.com/stevegribs77 Or…
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Joe Bor: "I've got a standup show about me trying to make a film with Nicholas Cage."
UK comedian Joe Bor, shows his versatility by not only performing as himself, but also as his character, Jasper Cromwell Jones. Steve and Paul focus on Joe's award-winning comedy film work where's he's made lauded shorts. promos and documentaries on institutions of UK comedy - such as the late,...
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Gift Shop Comics: "Once the gig is over, it's all about the merch."
Sometimes comedy is the gift that keeps on giving! Where comedians will attempt to sell the audience extra merchandise après gig. Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts talk about the CDs, DVDs, books, t-shirts and other tat toted by the Gift Shop Comic. You can watch full interviews with UK comedians…
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Barring Clauses - You Should've Been Here Last Week
Sometimes a promoter will tell a comedian that their booking depends on them not doing other performances within a certain area or at other nearby promoters gigs - it's called a Barring Clause! Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts discuss the variations and the validity of this sometimes contentious...
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Guy Thomas - You Should've Been Here Last Week
Guy Thomas runs successful comedy nights for over the last decade in North West England. Guy talks to Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts on what he thinks is crucial in putting a great comedy show. Watch interviews on our YouTube channel. Support our show! Contributions can be made to Steve…
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Top and 5 Worst Comedy Venue Spaces - You Should've Been Here Last Week
To paraphrase Rihanna, sometimes comedians have to '"find laughter in a hopeless place". Comedians Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts list their 5 favourite and 5 most hated venue spaces to perform comedy. From theatres, hotels, night clubs, pubs, hairdressers or the top deck of bus. Watch…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
They say doing stand-up is the hardest job - so here's a rundown on how it's done from the prime movers in comedy! Every fortnight respected comedians, Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts interview esteemed figures in the industry from the UK and beyond. If you're interested in getting involved or finding out more about live promotion or performance, then this irreverent show pulls back the curtain on the world of professional comedy! You can watch every interview on our YouTube channel. Want to support our show? Contributions can be made to Steve's Ko-fi account or Paul's JokePit account. Get in touch with us by <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target=
HOSTED BY
Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does You Should've Been Here Last Week have?
You Should've Been Here Last Week currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is You Should've Been Here Last Week about?
They say doing stand-up is the hardest job - so here's a rundown on how it's done from the prime movers in comedy! Every fortnight respected comedians, Steve Gribbin and Paul Ricketts interview esteemed figures in the industry from the UK and beyond. If you're interested in getting involved or...
How often does You Should've Been Here Last Week release new episodes?
You Should've Been Here Last Week has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to You Should've Been Here Last Week?
You can listen to You Should've Been Here Last Week on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts You Should've Been Here Last Week?
You Should've Been Here Last Week is created and hosted by Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin.
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