Janey Godley is something of a Scottish comedy legend. She seems to have been around for years (which she has) but never quite broken through into the mainstream, and by that I mean the BBC. If you listen to, watch or read any of her stuff you can start to admiringly understand why she might not fit into the cosy consensus of the mainstream media.
This was episode #358 of her podcast and was a double-header with her daughter Ashley Storrie (also a stand-up comedian, performer and writer). Ms. Godley has been doing this podcast every week for over seven years (not sure if they've all been with her daughter but you can find the links at her website here) and this was, effectively, a live natter. She stated early on that as so many folks were hearing this for the first time they would tone down some (though by no means all) of the political content. The big orange manatee from across the Pond did get some abuse, although I thought that was dreadfully unfair on those large marine mammals.
Anyway, as we filed in both Ms. G and Ms. S were already on stage and cheerfully chatted away to us as the hall (the Freemasons' Hall no less - this got quite a few mentions needless to say) filled up, including christening many people who walked in with fictional names and biographies - very funny. Eventually it hit 1350 and we kicked off ...
Both comics stated up front that they hadn't prepared anything, but I'm sure they had a couple of standby topics they could fall back on. The loose structure was an opening chat then heading to the podcast Facebook page where people had been posting questions. The general tone of the show/podcast was a very genial mother/daughter mucky-mouthed chat. Topics ranged all over the place, from Ashley's reluctance and revulsion at physical contact though Janey's realisation years ago that after reaching a certain age she could no longer filter herself and decided she just didn'\t give a f*ck to lots of family anecdotes, leg-shaving, trying to find Ashley a man and a variety of other topics. It was very funny and the interplay between mother and daughter cheerfully foul-mouthed and, at one point towards the end, very touching.
I had never listened to Ms. Godley's podcast before but will start to - look out for Episode 358 as I might make the final edit (they had asked for Fringe show recommendations and I suggested one). Both have solo shows at the Fringe this year (see here and here) and Ms. Godley is also in a play - busy folks.
Ms. Godley and Ms. Storrie were hugely good company and I look forward to seeing more from both. Sadly this was the only show of this format they were doing this Festival so please check out their solo shows if you can.
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