Ask A Comedian: Sam Lake

4 min read

Multiple award-winning comedian and wannabe “Daddy” Sam Lake is touring with his first UK tour, Aspiring DILF, from February to April. Ian Chaddock asked him about his funniest experiences

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

If I can only pick one, I'd have to say Victoria Wood at the Royal Albert Hall. My parents had it on VHS, and it was the first time where I felt like I was following the rhythm of stand-up comedy.

It's just a wonderfully crafted show, and I remember every time as a young boy rewatching it and thinking “oh! I actually get that joke”. I still go and rewatch it every now and again, it just really stands the test of time. It's forever a classic.

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

I have had the misfortune of rewatching my first ever gig recently. Before rewatching it, I remember being behind the mic, with the backdrop of a gorgeous red velvet curtain on the Soho Theatre Cabaret stage.

I had a great time, and remember thinking “Wow, the audience must've thought I was so funny”. Then when I rewatched it I realised “Oh… I think the audience was just being nice…”. But I walked off stage with a knowing feeling that I was going to try and do this for the rest of my life.

What’s the weirdest heckle you’ve ever heard and how did you reply?

The weirdest ones are the ones where someone shouts out something nice. It totally disrupts you, because you're expecting something nasty. Not long ago at a gig,

"The weirdest heckles are the ones where someone shouts something nice—it totally disrupts you"

I saw someone mutter something under their breath and I went “Do you have something to say?” and they went “I just think you’re really funny” and I went “YOUR MUM! … Oh sorry, I thought you were going to say something mean!”

What has been your funniest live show experience?

Sam Lake has had nice heckles and wardrobe mishaps on stage

I did a gig last year where as soon as I got on stage a woman started absolutely cackling. And I thought “Wow, I haven't even told the first joke and I am killing it”.

But just before I got too cocky, the lady said “Your flies are undone”... And it got the biggest laugh of the night.

As well as stand-up, you’ve worked on TV panel shows and podcasts. Which format do you find works best for comedy and why?

Ooh, it really depends on what you're after. I think a panel show, especially topical ones, lend themselves to really sharp, witty one-liners.

Podcasts have that more para-social element to them, where you're just enjoying listening to funny people have a chat. It really just depends what type of audience you’re going for.

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

I have to say it was something my mum said years ago. My mum and my brother make me laugh to no end, and I remember we were watching an old quiz show. It’s not on anymore.

"We were watching an old quiz show and one contestant was a single mum called Dee Vorce"

But one contestant was introduced and her name was Dee Vorce, and she was introduced as a single mum. And my mum just went “Of course she’s single, she’s literally called Divorce”. And it was that kind of thing where we all paused, then burst into laughs, creased up on the sofa.

What’s your new show Aspiring DILF about and what inspired you to focus on masculinity and how it’s addressed by some?

Sam Lake's new show Aspiring DILF mocks the idea of men being less manly

Every couple of years, there seems to be a resurgence of stories in the media that claim that men today are less manly. I think the idea that masculinity is at risk is so silly, and just goes to show how fragile it is sometimes. I see so many podcaster-type blokes or sad little men on TikTok crying out about how men aren’t real men anymore. And I just think “What are you on about? What are you saying?”.

"The idea that masculinity is at risk is so silly and shows how fragile it is sometimes"

My show is a little retort to all that, detailing my journey to becoming what I think is truly the last respectable form of man, the Daddy. Like Pedro Pascal, for example. You’ll hear all about my efforts to become more manly and more sexy, and maybe discover why men are so precious about their manliness.

What can people expect from seeing you live?

A lot of people say when they see me on stage, it feels like a good friend is having a fun little chat with them, like you’ve popped round for a bottle of prosecco and after the first glass I go “Oh, you won’t believe what I heard about Sharon the other day…”. It’s a fun, campy time with me.

Who is the best positive celebrity male role model and who’s the worst?

Well, for the best role model (and dear god I hope he doesn't have some unknown allegations made against him before this interview comes out) would probably be Stanley Tucci. Total Daddy, just a nice sweet older gentleman who in his free time loves making pasta. He just seems like if you’ve had a rough day, he’d pour you a rosé and say, “They’re all just jealous of you, have a biscuit”.

Worst role model, I mean literally take your pick. I’ll steer clear from the obvious ones because I don’t want to hurt their delicate man feelings, bless their sensitive little socks. So I’ll say I’ve honestly never trusted Mr Blobby. Where’s Mrs Blobby? Does she consent to you body slamming all those people and rubbing up against them? Pathetic.

Sam Lake is on tour until April. See dates and get tickets here samlakecomedy.com/tour

Banner photo: Sam Lake is touring the UK with his new show Aspiring DILF

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