On the Mic

John Dowie's Origin Story

John Dowie is a stand up comedian, writer, composer and author. His act is considered by many to be the precursor to the alternative comedy movement. Indeed, when John first started performing solo stand up, there was no live comedy circuit at all.
He has written four books, and his latest Before I Go has just been published. 
John talks to Martin Walker about the book, about his influence on comedy, and about his origin story.
Image by Steve Ullathorne.
John Dowie's Profile HERE (to buy the book, click on the Merchandise link).
www.onthemic.co.uk
 

Grubby Little Mitts: Road Closed, Lost Props, Bad Back, Power Loss, Bladder Open

Recorded live from the Assembly Club Bar in Edinburgh, Martin Walker talks to Rosie Nicholls and Sullivan Brown - the sketch comics Grubby Little Mitts. Sometimes when it feels like everything is going wrong, its because it is. Recorded on an iPhone, because rather fittingly, the mic wasn't working.
The Grubbs Linktree HERE
onthemic.co.uk

Bonus Episode: Darrell Martin from Just the Tonic

Darrell Martin runs Just the Tonic - celebrating 30 years... Darrell gives us an open an honest account of its origins, and what he really thinks of the first act he booked under the JTT banner in Edinburgh, comedian Jim Jefferies.
Presented by Martin Walker.
https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/
https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Bonus Episode: Alex Petty from the Laughing Horse Free Festival

Alex Petty runs the Edinburgh Free Festival - celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. He is promoting well over three hundred Edinburgh shows this year, but how did it all get started? When the pandemic hit, how did the Laughing Horse survive?
Presented by Martin Walker.
https://freefestival.co.uk/
https://www.onthemic.co.uk/
 

Episode 100: Marjolein Robertson's Origin Story

It's episode 100! We wanted to do something special for our century and here it is. An extended interview with the brilliant Shetland-born comedian, Marjolein Robertson.
This is her origin story.
Marjolein (for English people - its pronounced Marry-Laine) also talks about her exciting 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Marjolein Robertson: O'.
Image by John Carolan. Presented by Martin Walker.
Marjolein's Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk

Episode 99: Mark Thomas' Origin Story

Mark is one of the greatest left wing satirists working today. Also known as a political activist, he says that comedy and politics are inevitably entwined.
This is Mark's origin story.
He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes'.
Image art by Tracey Moberly. Presented by Martin Walker.
Mark's Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk

Episode 98: Elf Lyons' Origin Story

Elf is an award-winning comedian, theatre maker, director, comedy writer and voice artist. She has gained a cult reputation as one of the most innovative performers on the UK comedy and theatre scene. 
This is Elf's origin story.
She also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Elf Lyons: Horses'.
Image by Karla Gowlett. Presented by Martin Walker
Elf's Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk

Episode 97: James Barr's Origin Story

James is a multi-award-winning comedian, radio TV presenter, (and gay icon, obvs). He’s delighted audiences with his own brand of outrageous and upbeat comedy on-air, on stage and online .
This is his origin story.
He also talks about his Edinburgh show, 'James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son'.
Presented by Martin Walker.
James' Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk

Episode 96: Bex Turner's Origin Story

Bex uses character acting to bring surreal, and yet relatable, characters to life – all struggling to find love while navigating through the barriers that come with being neurodivergent. 
This is Bex's origin story.
Bex also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Bex Turner: Bexual Healing'.
Image by Alexander Voodoo. Presented by Martin Walker.
Bex's Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk

Episode 95: Rachel Kaly's Origin Story

Rachel is a Middle Eastern American from New York City. She began performing at a young age — at age 5, she was on 'The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien', and she started doing stand-up at the Gotham Comedy Club when she was only 9. 
This is her origin story.
Rachel also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Rachel Kaly: Hospital Hour'.
Image by Samantha Rae Brooks. Presented by Martin Walker.
Rachel's Profile and Social Media HERE
www.onthemic.co.uk