Virgin Radio Pridecast episode 16 - just having a laugh?

Virgin Radio

25 Feb 2022, 14:01

Credit: Getty

This week on the Virgin Radio Pridecast, Alex Milsom and Shivani Dave are delving into the world of comedy, looking at how LGBTQ+ comedians bring their identities to their work, and whether jokes about sexuality/gender identity are ever acceptable.

You’ll hear from Suzi Ruffell on the need for gay comedians to mention their sexuality at the start of each gig, as well as Rosie Wilby on whether stereotypes still have a role in comedy:

‘I’ve generally always thought that you’re in a safe space to make fun of something and a certain stereotype and a certain section of the community if you belong to that community… So I do do a lot of jokes about being a lesbian, and the stereotypes about lesbians and their cats, and moving in on the first date!’

You’ll also hear from Stephen K Amos, who has appeared on shows such as Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, and Mock The Week, on whether the intent of a joke can alter its meaning.

Plus, Alex and Shivani will also be exploring whether comedy can be used as a tool for activism, with the help of Stephen Bailey, who chatted to Matt Cain on his Sunday Roast on Virgin Radio Pride:

‘Every time I stand on a stage in a working men’s club in Coventry - I am a walking, talking political statement… I’ve had, as recently as Tuesday, someone coming up to me going “I wasn’t sure I’d like you, but actually you were the best one on tonight..” And I always go “Thank you, that’s still homophobic though…”

Finally, you’ll hear from Tom Allen on someone who changed the scene for LGBTQ+ comedians forever - Virgin Radio’s very own Graham Norton…

Episode sixteen of the Virgin Radio Pridecast will be available to listen to here.

The Virgin Radio Pridecast is a weekly look back through the archives of Virgin Radio Pride, our fabulous three-month pop-up radio station which ran last summer. Each week, Alex Milsom and Shivani Dave re-live some of the best moments, as well as attempting to continue the great conversations that Virgin Radio Pride started last summer. There are entertaining guests, jaw-dropping stories, and of course loads of the laugh out loud moments and insightful, important discussions which made Virgin Radio Pride so special…