Funny Peculiar Podcast

This week and I chat to the amazingly talented Lucy Lush, drag queen extraordinaire. Lucy Lush is a drag artiste actress/actor plus one of the campcooks touring UK wide festivals also a Broadcast Journalist for gaydio Lucy boasts a flamboyant career spanning 20 years working with drag legends, such as Lily Savage. But, while the name may not be instantly recognisable, his alter ego may well raise a few eyebrows. She travels all over the UK as drag queen Lucy Lush, performing shows under other guises including Hilda Crabtree, Lucy’s 70-year-old grandmother. Lucy Lush is not an everyday drag act and uses comedy put together from recent topical news stories to constantly update his acts. “When Lucy Lush is on stage Lucy Lush is real.” “From a performance aspect I can be as outrageous as possible and it’s all purely for fun.” A massive thank you to Lucy for being my final guest on the podcast. It's truly a great interview. https://twitter.com/therealLucyLush https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009111483198 https://www.instagram.com/lucylushuk/?hl=en

This week I speak to Vivien Ella Walden author of Eating from the Cherry Tree. Vivien Ella Walden who is still alive and kicking, born in Salford Manchester. Raised in a loving working class Jewish family she ran from her heritage, bared her perfectly formed derriere and partied with the elite and famous while taking on many guises and titles. With the death of her first husband she took on his mantle and grew to become one of the UK's most successful 'madams' within a world of scandal and naughtiness, corruption and suffering, sadness and exhilarating happiness. 'After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life'. EATING FROM THE CHERRY TREE: You had me gripped from the very beginning and captivated me on every single page. A life filled with trauma, tragedy humour and sexiness. Opening your world through beautiful use of language that evaporates any concept of taboo.#5STAR #reviewMyBook.to/CherryTree Thanks to Vivien for coming on the show. Social media: https://www.facebook.com/viv.walden.71 https://twitter.com/vivienwalden

This week I chat with Tony Kinsella, Jeff Dawson (Jeffarama), Gordon Zola and Ian Whiteley, collectively known as Bard Company. Poetry with a difference! Four alternative poets performing a rock n' roll fuelled selection of their work with humour and no doubt a bit of controversy. Each member brings his own unique style to the group getting to know each other on the poetry and performance circuit for the last 5 years. They include poetry with musical backing tracks and songs with acoustic backing, also comedy and brilliant one-liners to give the edge on any socialist event, anti-war gig or comedy fundraiser. As they say themselves, "We want to perform some old/new stuff as a group with a different edge to it, have a few laughs, cause a bit of controversy and mayhem on the way, all for one & one for all!!" They have so far played in Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Wigan, Leeds, Wakefield and grow from strength to strength. A big thank you again to Tony, Ian, Gordon and Jeff for coming on the show. Social media contact: https://www.facebook.com/tony.kinsella.73 https://www.facebook.com/ian.c.whiteley https://www.facebook.com/gordon.zola.1 https://www.facebook.com/jeff.dawson.792 Jeffarama Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffinbolton/?hl=en

This week I chat to a wonderful lady, a marvellous performer Aunty Ginger aka Thomas Henderson-Griffiths. Ginger has been on the drag circuit for four years and has made a huge impact, she won the Miss Drag UK 2019 competition and is part of The Three Ladies drag musical trio. She organises, produces and performs in her charity nights for the Albert Kennedy Trust and also performs in a variety of drag shows and events around the UK. Plus she is a grade 8 cello player! A multi talented lady indeed! Come meet everyone’s favourite Aunty, she believes in justice for cougars and combines old school and new school with campy lip sync comedy, badly sung tunes and Dad jokes. She can always be relied on for whipping her baps out at a family gathering and her trademark crusty makeup will give you life, trust! It's a great interview and a pleasure to have Aunty Ginger on the show! Thank you darling! Check out Aunty's instagram it's filled with great pics and info! Social media for Aunty: https://www.instagram.com/aunty_ginger https://twitter.com/tdgriffiths1 https://www.facebook.com/auntyginger87/ auntygingeruk@gmail.com https://www.akt.org.uk/

This week I chat to the wonderfully talented Christian Reilly. A stalwart on the UK comedy circuit for many years Christian never fails to deliver outstanding comedy. I've always been a massive fan of his comedy and musical parodies, a range of bands, check out his Artic Monkey's parody! The best!! Christian’s first comedy gig was in the Perrier Award-winning show, ‘Rich Hall is Otis Lee Crenshaw’. He is a global comedy circuit headliner and has appeared at numerous international comedy festivals, on BBC radio and TV, and in four series of the Chortle Award-winning stand-up and sketch show ‘Richard Herring: As It Occurs To Me’. In 2015, BBC Radio 4 followed Christian on the road to the Edinburgh Fringe for ‘Lives In a Landscape’. 2016 saw Christian taking his comedy to Australia as part of Perth’s Fringeworld festival. Catch him soon at a comedy club near you! Check out Christian on social media: https://christreilly.com/ https://twitter.com/christreilly https://www.youtube.com/user/christianosfandango1/videos https://www.facebook.com/christianreillycomedy christreilly@outlook.com

This week I chat to the multi-talented Dave Morgan, a Bolton poet who has been gigging and writing in and around the North West for the last 20 years. He has worked in all sectors of education, and in a range of community and voluntary organisations plus involvement in teaching Chinese cooking, performance poetry, community action, and a host of other interests. Dave says, "Younger people seem to think that those of us growing up in the 1960s were somehow charmed. Maybe we were. I have no idea what it is like to be young today, any more than my parents had any idea what it was like to be young in the 1960s. I don't envy the young, the odds are heavily stacked against them. Almost as much as they are stacked against the poor." For further information about Dave please see links below: https://www.davemorgan.info https://www.writeoutloud.net/ https://www.facebook.com/dave.morgan.31945

This week I chat to the wonderful and talented Ginger La Rouge, award winning international burlesque dancer! Ginger is an award winning, international performer and has traveled the world performing her unique and diverse burlesque acts. Ginger is a Manchester burlesque dancer and co-founded North West Burlesque in 2010, a company which provides entertainment and burlesque hen party teachers across the North West. "The joyous thing about Ginger La Rouge is that you genuinely don't know what you're going to get: from the classically elegant to the sublimely ridiculous and everything in between, all fantastic and entertaining as heck." - Cabaret Roulette "She's the title sequence of a Bond movie happening right in front of your eyes" - Review of Burlesque! At the Lowry "A simply marvellous thing to witness" - The Skinny www.gingerlarouge.com FB: Ginger La Rouge Twitter: Ginger La Rouge Instagram: Ginger La Rouge

This week I chat to the wonderful and delightful Poppycock. Smiley, happy dragling Poppycock is one of those characters that lights up a room and a stage as soon as they appear. She’s been performing as a drag artist for less than a year, but has already won Halfway II Heaven’s It’s a Knockout competition and made it to the semi-finals of this year’s Drag Idol UK. Thanks for coming on the show Poppycock and here are her social media links. Contact FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/itspoppycock/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itspoppycock Twitter https://twitter.com/_itspoppycock

This week I talk to the legend that is Bob Sinfield. Radio presenter and comedy writer who has been performing and writing comedy for the last 40 years. I first met Bob back in London around 2003 helping out on his comedy show's, writing and performing. Bob Sinfield is an actor, author, presenter and freelance waster. He has appeared at theatre festivals from Edinburgh to Brighton and written scripts for some of the best comedy performers of the last four decades, including Bob Monkhouse, Leslie Phillips, Tracey Ullman, Joan Sims, Stan Freberg and Rory Bremner. In his spare time, he enjoys name-dropping. His books to date are Gentleman of Jazz, The Gag Trade, Simply Dead, Ready Steady Crook and, soon to be published, The Great Unwatched. Bob’s voice has been heard on all the major radio networks (plus quite a few minor ones) and he even appears on television when they’re desperate. Facebook: Bob Sinfield Website: www.bobsinfield.co.uk Mixcloud: MixCloud Twitter: /twitter.com/BobSinfield Podcasts: www.podomatic.com/podcasts/laughterzone

This week I chat to Jess Abouzied / Aerial Acrobatic and Circus Skills Teacher Jess quickly realised that her love of performing and being upside down was a perfect match for circus. With the career goal of being ‘professionally awesome’ she enrolled on Greentop’s full time Circus In Performing Arts course and has been unstoppable ever since. Now an artist and tutor, Jess specialises in aerial acrobatics across multiple apparatus such as silks and hoop. She also likes to sew costumes, play with fire, and pretend to be a gymnast. From glamorous corporate events to comedy characters, she performs all over the country but is rarely found with two feet on the ground. Website: bloodsweatcircus.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/jessabouzeid Email: jess@bloodsweatcircus.com

A great episode 12 incredible guests from stalls from in and around the Tatcon 2018 festival. I start with the organiser Pat Deacon, who was in his mobility scooter nipping about still keeping the event going. I chat to Mike Gregory, a belt buckle salesman, then Nick Henderson who runs a rapture care sanctuary. Natalie Devine and Zane Innes of River Styx. Then Joanna Reeves who runs Bizarre Bits some spooky dolls with plants coming out of their heads!! Kelly Ryan a tattoo artist along with Izzy Thompson and Andy who run Little Lady Tattoos. David Robinson a guitarist on the main stage playing a great set, Alex Alvardo a Venezuelan tattoo artist and finally Bob Ellis a taxidermist! Enjoy! Pat Deacon - Organiser of Tatcon: Tatcon Blackpool Mike Gregroy: Buckle Mania UK Nick Henderson: www.raptor.org.uk Natalie Devine and Dane Innes: River Styx Tattoo Studio Joanna Reeve Bizarre Bits Kelly Ryan Tattoo Artist Izzy and Andy from Little Lady Tattoo: Littleladytattoos David Robinson: The Cold Heart Review Alex Alvarado: www.santocuervotattoo.com Bob Ellis Taxidermy: www.bob-ellis.co.uk

This week I chat to Natalie Goode and Danielle Whitehead, both performers and providers of all things entertainment! Also costume designer/makers, fire breathers and eaters. I caught up with Natalie and Danielle at last year's Tatcon 2018, we had a chat about the perils of using fire as a main prop plus the hazards of staying safe. They also perform many other routines such as circus skills, fire eat/breath/bodyburn/transfers, fire hoop, fire fans, poi, hula hoop, stilts, angle grinding and freak show. You can find both performers here: Instagram: Natolee Goode Instagram: Danielle Marie Whitehead Facebook: Natalie Goode Facebook: Danielle Marie Whitehead

This week I chat to the wonderful Katie Trickett Katie Trickett is a sideshow, circus and variety performer living in the UK. She likes shoes, tattoos, small dogs and cake! Katie has a degree in Clothing Design and Technology and was set for a life in the fashion industry until a magician asked her to cover a show for his wife as an assistant and her passion for magic and performance began. After two years working in illusions and assisting several UK magicians Katie decided to learn her own magic, specialising in creating her own stage acts and close up magic. The jump into the world of sideshow came in 2011 with some escapology shows and being part of a team recreating original 1950s sideshows. Sideshow performance is on a completely different level to magic as all the stunts are genuine and require high levels of natural skill to complete them. These shows are full of real danger, excitement, mind boggling wonders and sometimes a little squeamish in parts but are all round fun and a great flash back at traditional alternative performance. For more information visit: Website: Katietrickett.co.uk Facebook: KatieTrickett Twitter: Katietricky Instragram: Katie Tricky

This week I'm chatting to the amazing and incredible Johnny Strange! Risking life and limb in the name of entertainment is just another day in the office for Johnny Strange. This English born performer traveled the length and breadth of Britain perfecting his art form before touring his show extensively throughout the rest of the world. A natural born performer, Johnny Strange mastered some of the most daring acts brought to the stage. He has performed in 20+ countries around the world, entertained live on TV and and has been credited to many world first’s. Along with a plethora of Guinness World Records he has also earned the nickname, “The man with ears of steel”. A regular at festivals, fairs, conventions, corporate parties and cabaret events Johnny Strange amazes audiences with death defying acts of precision and skill once thought impossible - from the ancient art of sword swallowing to dangerous chainsaw juggling. From whip cracking to astounding feats of speed and much, much more. Famed for his innovative stunts and stylish live performances Johnny takes his audience on a whirl wind of emotions from jaw dropping tension to side splitting comedy, and right back again. Prepare yourself for one of the most thrilling shows you are ever likely to see! If you want to get in contact with Johnny Strange you can find him here: Website: Johnny Strange Instagram: johnny_strange Twitter: @strangejohnny Facebook: Johnny Strange

This week I chat to Arielle Firecracker, an amazing lady who performs burlesque but with many a trick up her sleeve! Slithering her way across the globe and charming every snake in her path. Arielle Firecracker is the snake dancing, fire breathing, international burlesque sensation. This twisted beauty shows the world why she is a real firecracker! To contact Arielle you can find her here: Website: Arielle Firecracker Facebook: Arielle Firecracker Instagram: ariellefirecracker Twitter: Arielle Fire

This week I chat to Craig Ricci Shaynak. Interview was recorded back in August 2018 at the Edinburgh Performing Arts Festival. A brilliant guy so sit back and enjoy. Craig Ricci Shaynak is an actor, writer, and producer living in Hollywood, California who has appeared in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at least a dozen times since 1989 in original shows such as MR FIZZYWIGG'S STORY FACTORY, COWBOYS & INDIANS, and I AM GOOGLE. Most people would recognize him from his numerous roles in television and film, including RAY DONOVAN opposite Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, TED 2 with Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane, THE INFORMANT with Matt Damon, directed by Steven Soderbergh, and HARSH TIMES with Christian Bale and J.K. Simmons, directed by David Ayer. Mr. Shaynak has also done voices for such films as HAPPY FEET and NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Craig produced the award-winning short films WARHOL, written and directed by Adam Ethan Crow, THE BEATING by Paul Stroili and Cyrus Myrakhor, and THE STORY MAN by Erik Hudson. Craig spends most of his time writing scripts and attributes any success he may have to his very useful degree in Medieval Drama from the University of Chicago. If you want to find Craig he can be found here: Facebook: Craig Shaynak Facebook: Craig Ricci Shaynak

This week I chat to the amazing Amanda Blyth better known as Miss Strawberry Moon. Miss Strawberry Moon is a comedic performer who takes the ordinary out of the extraordinary, bringing a rainbow of colour, humour and energy into each fantastical performance she makes! She has performed internationally, recently appeared on Channel 4’s The Posh Frock Shop, was awarded 2nd Place at Miss Pinup Uk 2018 and brought her comedy madness to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival earlier this year. And if that’s not enough Miss Strawberry Moon is charging into 2019 producing an annual event Catwalk Cabaret heralding the work of costume makers in burlesque, cabaret and drag! It's an amazing chat and so go to my instagram account (stephanie_legs) or Miss Moon's if you want to see the Barry Gibb photo! A big thanks again to Miss Strawberry Moon for coming on the show! To contact Miss Moon go to: Facebook: Amanda Blyth (Miss Strawberry Moon) Instagram: Miss Strawberry Moon Twitter: Miss_S_Moon

Born in January of 1980, Chris first began his journey in the Martial Arts aged 8. Inspired, as many were at the time, by the movie 'The Karate Kid', Chris joined the local Taekwondo school in his home town of Balby in Doncaster. He enjoyed the high energy kicking style associated with Olympic Taekwondo, although unfortunately the school had to close forcing Chris to look at other options to continue his training. In the mid to late 90's Chris switchted to the ITF style of Taekwondo. Around the same time he discovered the work of Jackie Chan, quickly amassing a large collection of VHS tapes, Chris would spend hours trying to emulate the moves of his new found hero. He began recording his training and sharing the footage online via Martial Arts based internet forums. It was there that UK director and producer Steve Lawson first spotted Chris and offered him his first job in 2000 on a short film shot for a TV show. The following year, Chris was invited to perform as part of the 'Rising Dragon' Martial Arts team at the Royal Variety Performance. To perform for the Queen was a huge honour! Following on from this, Chris worked many UK productions such as 'Left 4 Dead', Insiders', 'The Purifiers' and 'Displaced' before landing his first job as Fight Choreographer on 2005 release 'Soul Searcher' Shortly after completing work on Soul Searcher, Chris was asked to Choreograph a fight scene on the award winning 'Love Struck' as well as playing a small acting role in the movie 'The Silencer'. This gave Chris the opportunity to work with talented fight peformers and actors such as Joey Ansah, Christian Howard & Glen Salvage. He also gained valuable set time working with a vastly experienced crew and production team. Around the same time, Chris gained experience working on live TV as well as appearing on the popular BBC TV show 'Prank Patrol', he also travelled to Norway to act as Fight Choreographer on the live action adaptation of comicbook 'Smasher'. Earlier, in mid 2004, Chris gained experience working on the SONY PSP release 'Pursuit Force' as well as working on the Five TV series 'Combat Club' before returning to film Screen Fighting a year or two later in the UK production 'Underground'. In the late 2000's Chris worked in China on 'Blood: The Last Vampire', the UK TV series 'Star Hyke' as well as the movies 'Ten Dead men' and 'Bodyguard: A new beginning'. In 2009, Chris decided to take time away to spend time with his family and develop his Martial Arts Academy. 2013 saw a return to action as Fight Choreographer on the multiple award winning 'DOG' as well as working most recently as a screen fighter and choreographer on the films 'Vengeance', 'Wendy' and 'Essex Heist'. Click here for Chris's social media Facebook: Screenfighter Twitter: Chris_Jones80 Instagram: Chris_Jones_Action

This week I chat to the very entertaining and talented Ian Longstaff. Ian began his career in London, on the comedy circuit as a comedy poet, breaking into the UK comedy circuit, performing in stand up clubs up and down Britain, publishing his poems and performing poetry at live comedy gigs. By a twist of fate he ended up becoming Ralph Fiennes body double for the Harry Potter films. Long days on set, stuck in the dark lords make up can test anyone. Listen as Ian tells the whole story himself and how he is good friends with Daniel Radcliffe. Ian closes the show by reading out some of his funniest poems, my request as I think it's still fresh and original since the day I first heard it. Sit back and enjoy episode 32 with Ian Longstaff. If you want to see Ian live and in person he will be at the Stars of Time Comic Con in Weston-super-Mare on Sunday 2nd December 2018. Stars of Time Film Or click on these links to find Ian. Facebook: Ian Longstaff www.voldy.co.uk

This week I chat to Dynasty a young drag queen starting out on her drag journey. She can be found down at Filthy Gorgeous a fortnightly drag night in Canal Street plus many other glam nights in and around Manchester. Possibly one of the noisiest interviews apologies for the background banging! That's Canal Street under development for you! A big thanks to Harley aka Dynasty - she was so good to give up her time to come and talk to the show. Check out her instagram accounts and facebook page - she has the most wonderful look and style! Where you can find Dynasty: Harley_L_S_M (Twitter) Harleyluke (Snapchat) Itsdynastybitch(Instagram) harleyluke_mua(Instagram) Harlequinnlegrotesque(Instagram)