Maisie Adam brings ‘Buzzed’ to the west

Since her arrival on the comedy landscape in 2017, becoming the winner of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition when she was only 12 gigs deep, Yorkshire-born actor turned comic Maisie Adam’s star has been rising fast.

Characterised for her sharp wit, combined with a hugely likeable stage presence and an infectious brand of exuberant, optimistic observational style, Adam is a natural in front of an audience.

She was nominated for the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards the following year with her debut Fringe hour, Vague, which won her the Amused Moose National New Comic Award.

Returning to Edinburgh in 2019 with her show Hang Fire, Adam soon became a TV regular on shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Hypothetical, Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week and Roast Battle.

And she was back at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, with a hugely successful run of her new hour, Buzzed, which she is now touring around the UK.

Adam spoke to Bristol24/7 ahead of her upcoming dates in Bath and Bristol:

Maisie Adam – photo: Matt Crockett

You’re embarking on a sizeable solo tour to date off the back of a great run at the Edinburgh Fringe.  Have you paused for breath?

In a word – No! I got back from Edinburgh and the next day I flew to Vietnam to film A League Of Their Own: Road Trip, which I must stress – I am absolutely not complaining about! It still blows my mind that I’m getting opportunities like that so I honestly couldn’t get on that plane quick enough.

I had the best time and it was lovely to throw myself into something that wasn’t based on my show so I feel like I’ve had a break from that headspace between Edinburgh, and now I’m excited to get out on tour.

Can you describe what Buzzed is about?

It’s a show about all the things I’m buzzing for; it’s a really happy, optimistic, forward-looking show. I didn’t want to look back on the last few years as I think we’re all sick of talking about it, and I for one just want to have a good old laugh, so that’s what I made the show about. It’s about all the things that make me happy, and I hope they make other people happy too!

Has your relationship to the content changed since you wrote it?

I think your relationship to the content always changes, along with what’s going on in the world. One of the things I talk about in the show is my love of football, and after the Lionesses won the Euros, that bit feels even sweeter when I get to it now.

I suppose also, the Edinburgh Fringe was the first time the show was being reviewed and the first time people were coming to see it finished, and not as a work in progress, so it was nice (and a relief!) to get the confirmation from audiences and reviewers that the show was “officially good”. And yes I do hate myself for saying the words “officially good”. What an idiot.

What do your audiences tell you about why your style of comedy appeals to them? How would you characterise it?

I get described a lot as “charming” which has always made me laugh, because a) I’m not a Disney prince, and b) none of my friends would EVER call me charming! But I’ll take it, and I think people mean it because I like to come across friendly onstage.

What I loved about my favourite comics when I was growing up was that they all felt like they could be your friend, so that’s what I try to emulate. I want to be warm with my audiences, and make them feel comfortable and part of the gang.

Maisie Adam – photo: Matt Crockett

Who are your own personal comedy inspirations?

Obviously Victoria Wood is right up there; I loved how she got everyone onside so quickly, regardless of who they were and what she was talking about. And I loved watching Dawn French in Vicar of Dibley. The village I grew up in was just like it and I recognised all those characters.

Peter Kay was a family favourite, as was Lee Evans – I used to be in awe of his physicality. They were both so good at painting the picture of the characters they were talking about so you feel like you knew them too.

How are you feeling about how quickly things seem to be moving in your career? What’s next for you?

As I said before, it still absolutely blows my mind. I absolutely love stand-up comedy, it’s so exciting, it’s always changing, and I never want to do anything else – I’m having so much bloomin’ fun!

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Maisie Adam is at Komedia, Bath on September 29, and The Redgrave Theatre on October 1. For ticket availability, go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Main photo: Matt Crockett

Read more: Meet… Maisie Adam

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