Introducing comedian Nick Dixon who debuts at this year’s Edinburgh Festival at the Just The Tonic Mash House with his show Marriage Material. Last year he found himself going to LA and writing with film icon Will Smith on a movie after being spotted on Youtube. A previous ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ finalist, he has honed his skills in the some of the word’s finest comedy venues and now premieres his expertly-crafted, painfully funny hour show.
We caught up with Nick Dixon to find out more.
Marriage Material is coming to Just The Tonic Mash House what can you tell us about it?
It’s my debut hour show. It’s hilarious. It’s honest. It’s about relationships and family and trying to be a man in this crazy world. I’ve been on Comedy Central twice and smashed it both times so I know what I’m doing. In fact Will Smith saw one of those on YouTube and got me to write jokes on his recent Hollywood movie. Do you think you’re better than Will Smith? If not then you HAVE to see this show. That’s just logic.
What inspired you to write the Marriage Material?
Having a crazy year where I got engaged, almost moved to LA, my ceiling collapsed, and I nearly died (or thought I did – you’ll have to see the show). I’ve been honing my comedy for years in the clubs, but I didn’t know what the theme was going to be until all this adult life stuff happened.
So, is it based on real events?
Yes it’s all absolutely true. My comedy is always totally honest. Obviously some of the punchlines are just jokes, but you can tell when I’m just kidding. I naturally write personal stuff but it only works because it’s always universal and relatable. But it is NOT a trauma type show. It is standup comedy about real things, but if it wasn’t also really funny I wouldn’t talk about it. Honestly it’s easier if you just come and see the show.
What’s the one thing about Marriage Material makes it different from all the rest?
Probably that I’m a professional comedian. I’ve played Comedy Store weekends for several years, which is the pinnacle of the UK circuit. Remember, many of the people doing Edinburgh shows are simply deeply troubled characters just functional enough to print flyers. I am an actual comedian. The show will be honest but not one of these trauma shows about something horrific that makes people cry at the end. It will be comedy by one of the best comedians in the world (me).
How does it feel to be at Just The Tonic Mash House?
It’s a great feeling, like coming home to the smell of baking bread (or mash). The show is at 7:15pm which is a great time for comedy, in the Snifter Room, which is a great room for comedy. So nothing can make this a bad show except me having some kind of meltdown. And even then — worth seeing.
What would you say to people thinking of coming to see Marriage Material?
I guarantee it will be worthwhile, you will definitely laugh and also “relate”. My comedy is somehow both timeless and modern. You can also get in early before everyone is talking about it. And it’s only £5 or pay what you want at the end, so you basically can’t lose. Also, The Times newspaper called me “Hugely engaging” and they were bang on. Others are calling me “The saviour of comedy” but it sounds weird to say that about yourself.
Nick Dixon Marriage Material is at Just The Tonic Mash House 2nd – 26th (not 13th) August 2018.
