Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
A stand-up show about all the ways feminism is good for men. The last decade or so has seen a rise of a type of politics that wears its misogyny on its sleeve and a lot of women, rightfully, are quite worried. But us guys should be worried too and as a straight white cisgendered man, if I explain it, maybe blokes will listen. Sounds serious right?! Well, the show has already won an award for being hilarious (Fringe Monkey Talent Award) so if you like your social commentary told through the medium of jokes about tortoises, this is the show for you.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I have been working on this show since last year, doing previews at lots of little festivals like the Rick Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich and Leicester Comedy Festival, honing the material and making it as funny as possible. I’m the sole writer and performer but this year, for the first time, I have got a director: David Hardcastle, who had great success last year directing the award-winning show Baby Doomer by Sam Nicoresti. He has a great eye for what makes a comedy show tick and it’s been really rewarding working with him.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I love the Fringe; I have been to every single one since 2013 and it’s the best place on earth. I’m really excited about this year as I think my show is my best yet and I can’t wait for people to see it.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Lots of people do the Fringe in an attempt to get noticed to be put in other projects but, for me, writing a stand-up show and taking it to the Fringe is the best and only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I think that experience sets me apart from a lot of other shows. This is my fourth solo hour of comedy and I am confident in saying this is my best one yet, and my previous ones weren’t bad.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
The show is potentially dipping into some pretty heavy areas but I think it deals with them with a lightness of touch that is funny but not disrespectful. Ultimately I want to make people laugh and have a good time, and, if i can, leave you with a sense of hope.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
As a professional comedian I work all over the country to all sorts of different audiences so I have developed an ability to produce a show that I hope anyone can enjoy. Having said that: if you’re drunk and unable to pay attention then maybe this isn’t the show for you. Thankfully, my show is at 1:15 in the afternoon so hopefully most people will only be one or two pints deep.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I love the Fringe because so many of my friends are there so hanging out with them every day is an absolute treat. In fact, we have such a blast we have decided to make it a show and invite other people to hang with us. The comedians Steffan Alun, Cerys Bradley and I run a late night show called ‘Comedians Play Video Games’ and it’s exactly what it sounds like! We get a load of our comedian friends and we play Mario Kart and Smash Bros and Zelda and loads of other games. The show is returning for its second year and it’s already building a cult following.
Jake Baker: The Gentle Men’s Club will run at Venue 33, Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex
Runs: August 7th – August 31st at 13:15pm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’