Stuart Taylor's Learner Husband Tour was a resounding success as many men and women around the country were handed valuable lessons to avoid collisions in their relationships. Stu' is back, and this time he's written a BOOK to complement his comedy and he guarantees humor, hilarity and of course, crucial advice for all males to take to heart. ZAlebs chatted with the comic to find out more about the new tour.
Hi Stuart welcome to ZAlebs! The Learner Husband Book Launch Tour is something that a lot of people are looking forward to! But for those people who know nothing of it, tell us what they can be expecting?
I had a show called The Learner Husband; which was a guide for husbands because nobody knows how to be a husband! In that show I had a little book as a prop, but what I wasn't expecting was for there to be SO many requests for the actual book. So I've written one, and to launch the book I've embarked on a book launch tour giving people a fun heads-up on what to expect when you get married. It will give insight on how to work around your spouse, and it's something that everyone will be able to relate to, whether single or married.
Relationship comedy is some of the most popular out there. Everybody can quote what comedians say about spouses, women, men etc- is it an easy or difficult category to build content in?
You know, if you tell personal stories, then you're bound to have more successful relationship comedy. People resonate with honesty, they laugh at the stories and if they are genuine they turn out to be completely relatable. My thing is, I don't watch what other people are going to say. Instead I do my thing and tell the stories I've been through.
Relationships are simply fodder for material though, because insights grow and change and people change and learn all the time.
Was the Learner Husband Tour inspired by real life events?
I think one thing people don't realize about comedians is that, while we may occasionally dramatize our content, it's all based on reality! I'm not sure if strange things just happen to comedians or we just have a strange view on life. Maybe these are things that can happen to anyone, but when they happen to us, it's funny because of the way we tell it!
Do you expect people to take your relationship advice seriously, or do is it really just for comedy and humor?
The book is funny, of course, but I stand by the intellectual property. I fully maintain that if you read the book, you'll never have a collision with your wife again [Laughs]. It's very good advice, and although its shrouded in comedy, it's still very true and valid.
How long does it take to come up with a set; like from the moment you first come up with the idea, write it down etc; what's the process?
The thing is, we have a deadline, and you're told to produce material within the constraints of that deadline. I always work with a director and we talk conceptually and see what angle I should take with my content. In this case I wanted it to feel like AA meeting meets Rock and Roll comedy show. I like to let my content craft itself organically, and the director is on hand to knock it into shape. Some shows take 2-3 months, and sometimes it takes less than a week and you're ready to hit the stage. I'll tell you what though, the biggest development takes place as you hit the road. You gauge reactions, you play with things, you add in little excerpts and you really shape your content.
I know you get this a lot but, do you ever get side tracked or forget what you're saying or make mistakes? How do you deal with it?
Sometimes. I think the key is to be present in the moment, that way it seems like you're telling it for the first time. Comedy is a dialogue with the audience, and if they're not feeding you you've got to adapt and adjust and react to that accordingly.
My favorite thing when watching comedy is when comedians laugh at their own jokes. How do you resist the temptation sometimes?
That's the beauty of that edgy space we're playing in! Sometimes you say something and you realize it's hilarious and you can't help but laugh out loud and it's really genuine. You just enjoy your material that much sometimes
There's no job like this, it's amazing to walk out there and make people happy and laugh and add that joy to people's lives
Who do you recommend the learner husband tour for the most?
I'd love to say guys, but it's women who come the most! If you're single, married, in a couple, you'll find something to relate to. What I can guarantee is this; It's going to be completely different to everything and every type of comedy that you've ever seen!
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to find us on Facebook!