Award-winning comedian Sam Avery comes to Finchley with new show

Stand-up comedian, viral blogger and bestselling author Sam Avery (aka The Learner Parent) started his award-winning blog when his twin boys were born. A million nappies, Peppa Pig episodes and a head-full of hair loss later, he shares all the lows, highs and hilarious in-betweens of his experiences of first-time parenthood.

We sat down with Sam before the start of his tour next year, and asked him what audiences can expect from his upcoming show.

Your blog has gone viral and led to a bestselling book, but what was your aim in first starting your blog?

I didn’t want to forget about any of these mad, mind-blowing moments I was experiencing. The blog was more of a diary for myself and I thought, if I was lucky, I might end up getting 5 minutes of stand-up out of it. I certainly didn’t expect all of this!

Have you always written about your experiences, e.g. by keeping a diary, or did you start when you became a parent?

I’ve always made notes about anything vaguely interesting that’s happened to me, because as a comic, everything is potential material. But I’ve never taken time to write stuff properly like I do with the blog before.

What can audiences expect from your new show?

It’s 90 minutes of stand-up from a man who’s just happy to be out of the house. Stories, routines, and an honest appraisal of my work trying to raise two toddlers. But if any tired parents in attendance want to have a nap, that’s fine too. I can’t rule out joining them.

Do you get nervous performing in front of live audiences?

More excited these days. I used to be crippled with nerves but I’ve been doing stand up for 16+ years now so you get used to it.

Do you prefer writing or performing?

Performing, every time. Writing can feel like a chore some days but it’s all worth it so you can go out and connect with audiences.

If you weren’t a blogger and comedian, what do you think you would be doing?

Probably 7-10 years for armed robbery.

What are your plans for Christmas?

Seeing family and having a little break. I’ve been busy writing and previewing the new show since summer so it’s been a bit hectic. Our boys are 4 now so this will be the best Christmas yet. Unless one of them gets ill and the oven breaks mid-turkey cook like last year. Fingers crossed, eh?!

artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 0GA, Thursday, January 30, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk