Ask A Comedian: Ed Patrick

2 min read

With a book that’s already caught the attention of stand-up comedians and celebrities, Ed Patrick’s debut tour will be one not to miss. The anaesthetist, author and comedian is sure to be a knockout. Ian Chaddock asks him about his funniest experiences…

What stand-up special or comedy film made you fall in love with comedy?

I don’t know if there was one thing, I think my first memories of comedy films I watched were Half Baked and Clerks and listening to Jerry Seinfeld’s I’m Telling You for the Last Time.

"My first exposure to live comedy led to Ross Noble cutting my hair on stage—I never looked back (and sides)"

But going to see live comedy in Nottingham under my brother’s wing when I wasn’t quite old enough was my first exposure to live comedy, which then led to Ross Noble cutting my hair live on stage. I never looked back (and sides).

What do you remember about your first time doing stand-up?

It was all white noise, an assault on the senses. My lips moved and noises emerged, which was met by largely positive noises from the audience. It went extremely fast.

What’s the weirdest heckle you’ve ever heard?

Ed felt like he was being heckled by a unique laugh. Credit: Karla Gowlett

Someone had a unique laugh and would laugh when others had stopped. I was being heckled….by laughter.

What has been your funniest live show experience?

I once made someone laugh so much at Newcastle Stand comedy club that they fell off their chair.

As well as stand-up, your book of the same name as your upcoming tour Catch Your Breath has won plaudits from the likes of Matt Lucas, Jay Rayner, Dr Phil Hammond and Colin Mochrie. How does that feel?

Wonderful, it would make a great dinner party too. Especially if we went to a Jay Rayner recommended establishment.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you in your life?

One of the most impressive funny things was during a game of beach cricket with friends in Norfolk. When batting, I smacked the ball high and away, a brilliant shot, Ben Stokes-esque. A man far away was walking with his family, he saw the ball in the air then suddenly raced away from his children and made a ridiculous diving catch into the sand, sunglasses dislodged, hat at the mercy of the sea.

"A man walking with his family saw the cricket ball in the air, raced away and made a ridiculous diving catch into the sand"

He jumped up and held his sand covered hands and ball in the air to rapturous applause across the bay, then threw the ball back, returned to his bemused family and continued walking. He wasn’t even part of the game, but I was still given out.

Your new stand-up comedy show is about the trials and tribulations of your life as a junior doctor. Does comedy play a key role in coping, both for doctors and medical staff and for patients?

Ed believes comedy helps people working in healthcare. Credit: Karla Gowlett

Absolutely. Just like any workplace this helps, anything that can lighten the mood in what can be quite a stressful environment. Plus coffee and snacks.

What else can people expect from your tour in February?

Well, they can expect a show at Leicester Comedy festival, and then the tour continues in April and May.

"Expect medicine, body parts, body fluids and difficulty finding a seat. So not too dissimilar to visiting a hospital"

Expect medicine, body parts, body fluids and difficulty finding a seat. So not too dissimilar to visiting a hospital.

Ed Patrick tours the UK with his show Catch Your Breath in February, April and May
Ed Patrick’s book Catch Your Breath is published by Brazen

Banner photo: Ed Patrick (by Chris Cox)

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