Amuse Douche with James Haskell

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Amuse Douche with James Haskell

James Haskell is facing an existential crisis. Since retiring as an international rugby star, he has become a ubiquitous personality, shape-shifting week-to-week from elite athlete to reality TV star, DJ, podcaster, author, MMA fighter, influencer and pundit. While James adapts to rapid-onset fatherhood, he is looking for his final form. In Haskell's opinion, the common thread running through his many post-rugby ventures is his unique brand of ‘comedy’... which brings us here. Amuse Douche puts Hask to the test in the most brutal arena: a live stand-up set. To prepare himself, he is speaking to some of the funniest comedians, actors and writers in the country, including Russell Kane, Sindhu Vee, Lou Sanders and Ed Byrne. While picking up tips and tricks, he’ll learn all about their journeys into comedy and find out what life is really like as a stand-up. But it's not all laughs as James and his guests also tackle serious issues such as alcohol dependency, living with ADHD and struggles with self-confidence. At the end of the series, James will take everything he's learned and get up in front of a live audience to see if he really is – or isn't – as hilarious as he says he is. Whether car crash or surprise success, the end result is sure to be compelling either way.

  1. 21/06/2023

    Season 2 Episode 11 - Live Show (Bonus Episode)

    Prepare to be entertained, surprised, and thoroughly amused as James Haskell takes to the stage with his first full-length 35-minute comedy set. Stepping away from the rugby pitch and into the spotlight, James fearlessly delves into the intricacies of his personal life, sharing hilarious anecdotes and unfiltered observations. Drawing upon his experiences as a professional athlete, he masterfully weaves tales of triumph, failure, and the absurdities of fame, while embracing vulnerability and a refreshingly self-deprecating humour. Get ready to witness the hilarious transformation of a rugby legend into a comedy force to be reckoned with. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    36 min

  2. 14/06/2023

    Season 2 Episode 10 - Suzi Ruffell

    It’s the last episode of Amuse Douche before James’ full length set. Luckily, he’s teamed up with the brilliant comedian Suzi Ruffell to explore the power of comedy in breaking down barriers. Together, they delve into the often unspoken challenges faced by comedians, particularly when confronting misogyny and homophobia. With her trademark wit and wisdom, Suzi Ruffell fearlessly opens up about her personal experiences, sharing anecdotes that shed light on the pervasive stereotypes and prejudice she has encountered throughout her comedy career. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    41 min

  3. 07/06/2023

    Season 2 Episode 9 - Desiree Burch

    As the twenty minute live set draws closer, another comedian takes a look at Hask’s previous eight minutes. This time, it’s former dominatrix and American comic Desiree Burch who casts her eye over his material. A far cry from the prudish British stereotype, Desiree isn’t afraid to tackle provocative subjects and speak her mind - so what will she make of James’ work? And has he finally met his match in comedy? Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    39 min

  4. 31/05/2023

    Season 2 Episode 8 - Jordan Gray

    Seven weeks in and the reality of having to do a 20-minute set is hitting James hard. So he decides to share his eight minute set with today’s guest Jordan Gray, to get some constructive criticism alongside her advice. After a career change no one saw coming, moving from singing to comedy, Jordan knows a thing or two about how to transfer skills. She shares her wisdom on why the rule of three never fails, how comedy can be used to bridge divides and why ending a show naked has become a regular occurrence for her. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    43 min

  5. 24/05/2023

    Season 2 Episode 7 - Lloyd Griffith

    For Hask, today’s episode feels like meeting an old mate at the pub. But what comedian, actor and classically trained singer Lloyd Griffith teaches him, is that in comedy, this could be a recipe for disaster. What’s funny in the pub with your mates isn’t always funny on stage, and vice versa. Lloyd takes James through his non-traditional route to comedy success and the surprising lengths he went to to hone his craft - a magic recipe made up of an overnight sleeper train, a packet of sleeping pills and a few tinnies. And as they explore Hask’s own comedy journey, Lloyd reveals what compering can do for performance skills and why opening yourself up to criticism from other comics is the best thing you can do. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    44 min

  6. 17/05/2023

    Season 2 Episode 6 - Rachel Parris

    Rachel Parris wears many hats when it comes to comedy. You name it, she’s done it: musical, stand-up, sketch, improv. So it should come as no surprise that she’s also the first woman to front a topical TV comedy show in the UK. No subject is too left-field for a piano rendition, no topic is too serious to find the funny in. So what can she teach James about stepping outside his comfort zone? They talk about breaking the gender mould of the industry, the importance of thinking on your feet and why taking on a 20-minute set isn’t as scary as James might think. And in discussing her remarkable comedy evolution, Rachel brings her earliest notebook to the studio for reflection. Does she have any regrets? Listen to find out… Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    39 min

  7. 10/05/2023

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Bobby Mair

    In this episode James is joined by the husband Amuse Douche season one guest, Harriet Kemsley. Canadian comic Bobby Mair is used to being introduced alongside his wife, and therefore being paired with funny people - so James, the modest man that he is, thinks he’s in for an easy ride with today’s episode. But in discussing the value of knowing your audience and how not planning too far ahead can be a blessing in disguise, Bobby reveals that the path to comedy success isn’t always smooth sailing. Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell and Instagram @jameshaskell.

    40 min

  8. 03/05/2023

    Season 2 Episode 4 - Hal Cruttenden

    You would think rugby podcasts and stand-up comedy would make for strange bedfellows but it turns out James isn’t the first person to dip his toe into these two worlds. Hal Cruttenden has appeared on some of the UK’s biggest comedy shows including Live At the Apollo, Would I Lie to You? and the Royal Variety Performance, alongside comedy he’s a massive rugby fan, presenting shows such as 'Rugby’s On' and 'The Huddle'. Hal went from BBC traffic reporter to stand-up comedian to rugby pundit but this week he hopes to tackle a new challenge…James Haskell. Correction: Suzy Eddie Izzard was incorrectly named as ‘Eddie Izzard’ and the wrong pronouns were used. This was unintentional and we wish to apologise to Suzy for any offence caused. Pronouns are important for affirming gender identities and creating a safe space for our guests and listeners. Everyone deserves to have their name and pronouns respected. For more information on pronouns and why they are important please see this guide from Stonewall: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace-trans-inclusion-hub/beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-pronouns-and-using-pronouns-workplace

    39 min
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Hosts & Guests

About

James Haskell is facing an existential crisis. Since retiring as an international rugby star, he has become a ubiquitous personality, shape-shifting week-to-week from elite athlete to reality TV star, DJ, podcaster, author, MMA fighter, influencer and pundit. While James adapts to rapid-onset fatherhood, he is looking for his final form. In Haskell's opinion, the common thread running through his many post-rugby ventures is his unique brand of ‘comedy’... which brings us here. Amuse Douche puts Hask to the test in the most brutal arena: a live stand-up set. To prepare himself, he is speaking to some of the funniest comedians, actors and writers in the country, including Russell Kane, Sindhu Vee, Lou Sanders and Ed Byrne. While picking up tips and tricks, he’ll learn all about their journeys into comedy and find out what life is really like as a stand-up. But it's not all laughs as James and his guests also tackle serious issues such as alcohol dependency, living with ADHD and struggles with self-confidence. At the end of the series, James will take everything he's learned and get up in front of a live audience to see if he really is – or isn't – as hilarious as he says he is. Whether car crash or surprise success, the end result is sure to be compelling either way.

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