Amuse Douche with James Haskell

Episode 4: Harriet Kemsley

Amuse Douche with James Haskell

Show Notes

Four weeks in and James is finding comedy isn’t all laughs as he struggles to get to grips with his homework. Running out of excuses, he seeks the advice of comedian Harriet Kemsley. She discusses her own writer's block and how to overcome it.

Harriet explores the importance of honesty and how using real life experience is the foundation of any great stand-up. She recalls her steep learning curve as she went from being unknown to an award winner within months of starting her comedy career.

In the meantime, James flirts with the idea of bringing family into the fray, as Harriet shares her experiences, good and bad, of making comedy a family affair.

More from Amuse Douche with James Haskell

Jun 21, 2023

Prepare to be entertained, surprised, and thoroughly amused as James Haskell takes to the stage with his first full-length 35-minute comedy set.

Jun 14, 2023

It’s the last episode of Amuse Douche before James’ full length set. Luckily, he’s teamed up with the brilliant comedian Suzi Ruffell to explore the power of comedy in breaking down barriers. Together, they delve into the often unspoken challenges faced by comedians, particularly when confronting misogyny and homophobia.

Jun 7, 2023

As the twenty minute live set draws closer, another comedian takes a look at Hask’s previous eight minutes. This time, it’s former dominatrix and American comic Desiree Burch who casts her eye over his material. A far cry from the prudish British stereotype, Desiree isn’t afraid to tackle provocative subjects and speak her mind - so what will she make of James’ work? And has he finally met his match in comedy?

May 31, 2023

Seven weeks in and the reality of having to do a 20-minute set is hitting James hard. So he decides to share his eight minute set with today’s guest Jordan Gray, to get some constructive criticism alongside her advice.

May 24, 2023

For Hask, today’s episode feels like meeting an old mate at the pub. But what comedian, actor and classically trained singer Lloyd Griffith teaches him, is that in comedy, this could be a recipe for disaster. What’s funny in the pub with your mates isn’t always funny on stage, and vice versa.

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