My favourite comedian by Jack Gleadow

24 July 2019

It’s Nice To See You To See You, words which whenever said brings the immediate response of ‘Nice!’ from our lips.

Jack Gleadow by Andy Hollingworth

A fun and silly thing that connects every single member of the audience with the man on the stage knowing that for the rest of the evening you’re in safe hands, not just with a comedian, entertainer, but a friend. Bruce Forsyth had the charisma, the talent and the gags to entertain every generation making him one of the last of the true all-round performers that are rich within the history of British comedy.

I can’t imagine many people see Bruce as a comedian maybe just as that old fella who hosted gameshows but that’s because he made it look so effortless. I remember when I first saw Bruce Forsyth singing, dancing and making people laugh I thought I want to do that! My show looks at what it takes to become an all-round entertainer like Brucie and what made him so special. I use his career and skills to look at what I have achieved so far in my life and what it takes to become Mr Saturday Night.

At the age of 14 he was a tap dancer, whilst I certainly don’t have his moves I spent my childhood performing magic shows until eventually realising my true love was comedy. He was a master of audience interaction, taking the mick out of the contestants but in a way where there was obviously was no malice behind it and they’d always laugh and play along. I use some interactive elements in my shows and it’s something I take very importantly in making sure you’re never cruel to an audience, you’ve got to make sure everyone in the room is on the same wavelength and just having a fun time.

I think some comedians take to the stage as a battle between them and the crowd, but I feel you’ve always got to make sure everyone in the room has a connection. One thing I adore about Bruce is his pose. I think he’s the only comedian ever to have one and I love how that’s what he did whenever he entered a room. When you see that pose you can really feel the excitement build because you know the show is about to begin!

He wrote the dictionary on catchphrases. He has dozens of great phrases so distinct to his style and he came up with so many which makes you think didn’t he do well. My style of comedy is very much inspired by people like Bruce and it’s a style that I really hope makes a comeback to the mainstream. The length of his career is extremely admirable, he didn’t stop performing for over 75 years. Still with that cheeky glint in his eye, if I can have even a quarter of the career he had I’ll be very happy. Bruce I salute you.

JACK GLEADOW DEBUT

Chortle Best Newcomer 2019 – NOMINEE

Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show 20019 - NOMINEE

Leicester Mercury Comedian 2018 – WINNER

Amused Moose National New Comic 2017 – WINNER

Chortle Student Comedy Award 2017 – RUNNER UP

Leicester Square Comedian of The Year 2017 – RUNNER UP

Great Yorkshire Fringe Comedian of the Year 2017 - WINNER

Hull Comedian of The Year 2016 - WINNER

Comedy Cellar Comedian of The Year 2016 – WINNER

Liverpool Hotwater Comedian of The Year 2016 – RUNNER UP

Hilarity Bites New Act of The Year 2014 - WINNER