Hi gang

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You know what time it is gang! Our Meet the Team series is back, and this one's a special one.🔥

Meet Dan, one of the founders of NextUp. Along with Sarah and Kenny (who you'll get to know soon), Dan keeps the comedy ship sailing and without trying to be a suck-up, he's one of the nicest humans EVER. Here's some questions I asked him recently...🎤

What’s your role at NextUp, in normal human terms?
Thank you. I am a human! My role is to look after the streaming service - our lovely comedy club - help bring in new members, understand what members want - and try and deliver as much of that as possible. I also help on productions, and work on higher level stuff like company strategy, financials and big partnerships.

What’s the best part of the job?
Hanging out with the nice team when we’re all working together in the same place. 

Who/What got you into comedy?
My parents are big into comedy, we’d always watch Not the Nine O’Clock News, Mr Bean and Bottom. I also used to write for Cartoon Network and E4.

Who’s your favourite comedian (or one you keep coming back to)?
Current fave is Ian Smith. He is currently in pre-National Treasure status. Give it 5 years. 

What was the last thing on NextUp that genuinely made you laugh?
I’ve just edited some clips from Ian Smith’s Half Life show, so I had the pleasure of re-watching it, and there are some incredible bits in it. The coke-float one being a fave.

Besides comedy, what are your other interests/hobbies?
I make and sell contemporary art that uses humour. Shameless plug: danberg.art. I also write dumb things here and do the occasional design project on Kickstarter. I’ve actually got some unusual playing cards launching on Sunday I’d LOVE some support on, check them out here.

When and where were you born and raised?
North London born and raised. Currently based in Dalston, East London.

What’s your most used emoji?
Erm, the fire emoji? Or I quite like this one: 😊 Side note: I think emoji reactions on WhatsApp are often VERY poorly used. Like when you put something out there on a group chat which is a nice thing, say a funny video - and you just get a load of thumbs ups or laughing emojis back. It’s soul-destroying for everyone involved. What has communication become?  Give me a ‘hahah’ or a ‘hahah - love this’ and show a smidgen of personality FFS rather than just a uniformed acknowledgement. So sorry. You’ve struck a nerve.

Do you have any pets?
Yes- Monty - half wire Dauschand, half Jack Russel. Or as he’s is currently referred to as I just saw the musical - Temu Paddington.

Tea or coffee? (There is a correct answer.
Coffee but it should NOT be talked about for more than 0.3 seconds in any circumstance. Just drink it.

Ideal night in vs ideal night out?
Night in: boards games with pals.
Night out: boards games in a pub.
Fave game if you’re asking is currently Chameleon.

What’s a very normal thing you’re surprisingly bad at?
Reading books. I need audiobooks. I think it's probably mild dyslexia. I promise I’m not thick.

Who is your favourite singer at the moment?
They’re not really a singer but I really like Fred Again. Oppidan too so I get more street cred.

Finish the sentence: “Comedy is best enjoyed when…”
…nobody gives a fuck what anybody else thinks, and all judgment is left at the door. (kinda goes for any scenario I think).

Last question, is there anything you'd like to say to the NextUp Community?
Er - YEAH! Hi gang! NextUp is absolutely bugger all without you. Like a comedy gig with no audience.  So firstly, thank you for being part of what we’re building. Secondly, we really want to make this comedy community one of the best on the internet, and you’ve already been so helpful and willing - I want you to know we’ve taken all your advice on board and we’ve begun creating things you suggested. Watch this space! 

See ya next month for Round 3! 🤩

NextUppers! Hey! 

We’re filming a brand new special with comedian Marcus Brigstocke this Thursday…and we’re also grabbing a little Q&A while we’ve got him. You lot were really up for this idea in the NextUp survey, so we’re bringing it to life.🤩

So: what do you want to ask Marcus?

Anything comedy is fair game. Writing, prep, nerves, heckles, bombing, warm-ups, favourite rooms, how a joke actually makes it into a set, whatever you’re curious about.

Drop your question in the comments below 👇

We’ll pick 3–5 and get Marcus to answer!

(And yes, I'm obliged to say there are no stupid questions.😆)

What's a really good comedy show/event you guys have been to lately and would recommend? In-person obviously. I'm in London but don't mind recs from anywhere in the UK😊

NEW Show Alert! 🚨

Total 2024 Fringe sell out. Amy Annette is back, after her critically acclaimed 2024 debut, with a show about being perceived. Ever felt like a floating head? Amy has. But she'd rather talk about you.

Nominee: Best New Show, Leicester Comedy Festival 2025.

'A delight to behold' **** (Guardian)
'A bright addition to the stand-up scene' **** (List)
'Brilliant, hilarious. If I didn't love her so much, I'd hate her' (Suzi Ruffell)

Enjoy guys!