Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part two of an in-depth conversation with comedian, writer, actor, presenter, children’s author, documentary maker and charity founder Rosie Jones. One of the boldest and most distinctive voices in British comedy, Rosie has appeared on The Last Leg, Live at the Apollo, QI, Taskmaster, Question Time, 8 Out of 10 Cats and many more. She is also the creator, co-writer and star of the Channel 4 sitcom Pushers and the founder of The Rosie Jones Foundation. In this urgent, candid and frequently riotous second instalment, Rosie reflects on the television appearance that changed her career and the complicated pressure of being expected to represent disabled people through her comedy. She charts her journey from feeling that every joke had to address her disability, through a period of refusing to discuss identity altogether, to finding a balance that allows her to be funny, political and unapologetically herself. Rosie speaks powerfully about appearing on Question Time, the ableist abuse and death threats that followed, and why she eventually stepped away from social media to protect her mental health. She discusses therapy with a counsellor who also has cerebral palsy, the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people, and the strength she has found in admitting that living with a disability can sometimes be extraordinarily difficult. The conversation also explores Rosie’s experiences working with The Last Leg, the urgent need for more disability-led television and the creation of her Channel 4 sitcom Pushers. Rosie explains why she fought for a predominantly disabled ensemble, meaningful representation behind the camera and an access coordinator who could ensure that every member of the company felt heard and supported. Rosie then shares the deeply personal mission behind The Rosie Jones Foundation, which provides people living with cerebral palsy with counselling delivered by therapists who share that lived experience. She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health support, the Foundation’s extraordinary achievement in funding 1,000 counselling sessions and why this work may ultimately become the proudest achievement of her life. In a moving final section, Andrew and Rosie discuss recovery, shame, addiction, community care and the forces that divide queer and disabled people. Together, they consider what it means to look after one another, speak up during a hostile political climate and become the adults their younger selves so desperately needed to see. Content note: This episode includes discussion of ableist language, online abuse and death threats, mental health, addiction, suicidal thoughts and discrimination. Episode Highlights Include:• Rosie’s first appearance on 8 Out of 10 Cats and the television moment that changed her career• The pressure of representing disabled people and finding a balance between comedy, identity and activism• The ableist abuse and death threats that followed her Question Time appearance• Why Rosie stepped away from social media to protect her mental health• Finding transformative support from a counsellor who also has cerebral palsy• Working with The Last Leg and the urgent need for more disability-led television• Creating Pushers with a predominantly disabled ensemble and meaningful representation behind the camera• Why accessible working practices make television better for everybody• The mission of The Rosie Jones Foundation and its lived-experience-led counselling• Funding 1,000 counselling sessions for people living with cerebral palsy• Andrew and Rosie on mental health, recovery, shame, community care and refusing to remain silent• What the younger Rosie would think of her life today, and her definitive answer about disabled people having sex Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released! Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_ Photography by Sean Lindsell@skl.photog on Instagram Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin@djliamchaplin on Instagram Special ThanksOliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers.Rosie’s Hair StyledLouis Wilson Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases and events. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.uk Follow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow Rosie JonesInstagram: @josieroneswww.rosiejonescomedy.comwww.rosiejonesfoundation.com Until next time - love always, Ax
