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Tom Mayhew Profile
Tom Mayhew

@TomMayhew

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Stand-up comedian. Writer. Actor. Tom Mayhew is Benefit Scum (BBC Radio 4) @SnookerLoopyPod Find me on other places before this place burns down.

https://www.tommayhew.co.uk
Joined March 2009
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
In 2012, a US remake of Only Fools and Horses was produced. It has recently leaked online. This is a Trigger warning, for nothing I can say will adequately prepare you for what they did to the beloved British character.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
Joe must be in BIG trouble.
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@mrdanwalker
Dan Walker
1 year
If an 11-year-old is brandishing a knife… is it ok to taser them?
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Hey TV/radio producers! If you're booking for a topical comedy show right now, can you PLEASE try and book working-class comedians to talk about the cost of living crisis. Seeing/hearing middle-class comedians joke about it flippantly makes me want to cry.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
8 shows left. This Fringe, I have had 0 sellouts of my solo show. Not got close. I am just hoping we manage to breakeven on the venue. I have had just 1 review. No real interest from the industry. Just throwing this out as a sign of solidarity after a difficult month.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
I also won't be hosting MOTD on Saturday. I will be eating 48 bags of Walkers Crisps - one for every goal he scored for England - in solidarity with @GaryLineker .
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
What we need isn't "more left-wing or right-wing" telly programmes. We need more working-class programmes. Location, Location, Location, but with people renting council houses who are looking for an affordable 3 bed place so their kids can have their own room.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
In some really lovely news, yesterday we found out that my Dad is in remission! Just in time for his birthday today! After 9 months where he has had chemo, radiotherapy, blood transfusions and been stuck in doors since January, so it is so brilliant to have some great news
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
All I have ever wanted to do is write stand-up comedy about important things that I am passionate about, and for it to reach a wide audience. I have my own Radio 4 series. Dream come true. ..
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
Tonight's audience. Not a single person has come to my stand-up comedy show. Gutting.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
18 months of extreme job insecurity. Hell, not just job insecurity - it's been 18 months of not knowing whether the lifelong dream has died. That's how it feels as someone working in the arts. So much love to everyone else who is struggling with all this instability. Take care.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Because we don't have *great* broadband at home, I am traveling in today to record my Radio 4 show in a BBC conference room. (all after covid tests and stuff!) I have printed this letter out, in case we are stopped on the way. God, it's funny to read this written down:
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Imagine getting 3 Christmas Number 1s. Imagine doing that without even being a musician, or having any musical talent. Imagine then having the arrogance to hit out at anyone challenging you for the Christmas Number 1! The sheer arrogance and entitlement is big Tory energy.
@IndyMusic
Independent Music
3 years
LadBaby criticises The Kunts for trying to get Christmas No 1 with Boris Johnson song
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
I am very happy and grateful to be one of the lucky 50 who applied. As I am also doing the Laughing Horse Free Fringe, it is the first time in my life that I can do the Edinburgh Fringe without having a massive cloud of money anxiety over me. It's a surreal feeling. Thank you.
@edfringe
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
2 years
50 recipients of the £100,000 Keep it Fringe fund announced 👇
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
This is the text my Mum has sent her Church friends, telling them about my Radio 4 series. "Don't be put off by the title ...." #BenefitScum
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
RIP to one of Hugh Dennis' three impressions xxx
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
John Cleese: "WHY CAN'T WE BE EDGY AND RISKY AND PUSH BOUNDARIES?!" Also John Cleese: "I AM IN THE NEW CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG MOVIE."
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
I have been sent an e-mail by my exec producer: my show is a pick of the day in The Daily Express, The i, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph and Total TV Guide! Look at me next to Claudia Winkleman! What is going on?! Tonight. 11pm. BBC Radio 4.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Mad hearing my Grandma talk about coronavirus. She thinks that we have more or less 0 deaths now, and that "the virus deaths are the same number of deaths we'd have anyway due to flu". The Daily Mail brainwashes people. They see lockdown and 60K deaths, but believe it's nothing.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
It kind of blows my mind that I can announce this, as it is one of the huge things that I have dreamed of doing since I first knew I wanted to be a comedian and write my own shows... I, Tom Mayhew will be coming to the @sohotheatre in January.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Soooo......my @BBCRadio4 show has been recommissioned for a 2nd series! Thanks everyone for always being great and supportive and lovely. I can't wait to create 4 more great episodes of radio! (photo by Andy Hollingworth)
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Thank you to my lovely Radio 4 audience for being pricks instead of twats. #PricksInsteadOfTwats
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Sup @DailyMail . My bro voted for Brexit. So did my Grandparents. My Grandpa is from Middlesbrough - yeah, that ol' Red Wall. Also, in the show I specifically talk about the fact that I have family who are Tory, who I love dearly. But hey, great journalism as always!!! Xxx
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
"fights off" As if Priti Patel is the victim. As if she is the one who is having to fight. As if she has fought it off and won. I've sat writing this tweet for a few minutes, and yeah, that's what the BBC News is sticking with. That's their narrative.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
Obsessed with these photos off eBay which make it look like someone has started an all-Wallace boyband.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
Tonight was incredible. There are a lot of times when I struggle with imposter syndrome doing this, but wow. Got a standing ovation at the Soho Theatre, Jordan Brookes was there, Laura Davis bought me Freddos. What a beautiful night.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
I love Billy Bailey. A proper down to earth, genuine human. He should not just win Strictly, he should be PM. #StrictlyFinal #Strictly
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Birthday.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
Jesus, this Schofield TV Times cover from May 2013 has aged terribly.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Since I was, like, 13, I have dreamed of having my own Radio 4 stand-up show, recorded at the Radio Theatre, with a live audience in the room. We can't have a live audience because of Covid. We can't use the Radio Theatre for the same reason. Someone tell me it will be ok.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Right-wing people saying that "cancel culture is killing comedy", while comedians are having their comedy work literally cancelled by a right-wing government's ineptitude.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Gutted that we will miss out on Jim's exceptional topical material about Frank Bruno, Ian Wright and Sven-Göran Eriksson.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
I will be back, because I know I'm doing comedy that is worthwhile, strong, and needs to be heard. But fuck me, it's insane how this festival has felt like there's an even bigger gap betweens those with massive PRs, and those without. You're either selling out, or struggling.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
📢 ANNOUCEMENT! 📢 I left my agent recently, so I am on the lookout for new representation. I have had two Radio 4 series, an upcoming second Soho Theatre run, and I'm writing incredibly relevant, important stuff about being skint as hell. thomas.mayhew @hotmail .co.uk
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
I also applied for the BBC Studios Writers job. I didn't get it. However: next year, I will be making a Radio 4 show. It is a BBC Studios production. I wrote it. Basically, don't take one rejection as an indictment of your talent, or your ability to work with a certain company.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
@guardian No 10 would have shared it themselves if there was a general election coming up.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
7 years
I've written a piece about being a working-class comedian for the British Comedy Guide. It talks about how hard it is for comedians from low-income backgrounds to do the Edinburgh Fringe, and how difficult it was for me last year. #WorkingClassComic
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
So much respect for all of those in comedy talking about their #MeToo experiences at the moment. I am not ready to write about my story yet. Just know that if you are a male comedian who has had a man in the industry try and take advantage of you, you aren't alone.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
I honestly think that if someone made a documentary about Monkey Business Comedy Club, it would be the new Tiger King.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
It's mad that people say "how can you make vaccine centres more appealing to the public?", as if it isn't enough to say "well, it prevents death!"
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Pretty mad day at the Ed Fringe yesterday. In the morning, I found out that Simon Munnery loved my Radio 4 show. It's always insane to me when stand-up legends even know my name, never mind when they say they love my work!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Tory MP Lee Anderson today claimed that "poor people use food banks because they can't budget". He claimed £210k in expenses last year. His year wage is £81k. For him to say that anyone else can't budget is an absolute disgrace.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
@AaronBastani You are going to be pissed when you discover how much money Boris gives his millionaire mates through dodgy contracts.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
@svnbeaming @QueerlyAutistic Retakes also rig the education system against less wealthy students; I was one mark off an A grade in one of my A Levels, but I didn't retake as it would have cost £30 to do so.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Binged @jackrooke 's Big Boys this weekend. As a working-class, queer guy who grew up in a Hertfordshire, who has dealt with mental health problems since losing one of my best friends when we were 20...I related a ton to so much of this. It's beautiful, and fucking funny.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
4 shiny stars from Chortle! ⭐�� ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ "I, Tom Mayhew offers authentic material we can relate too: funny, sharp, intelligent, meaningful and pleasing. Mayhew is a voice that needs to be heard." #WeAreAllTomMayhew
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
I, Tom Mayhew: a story of growing up poor and fighting for more. 3 years on benefits. 3 years at Sainsbury's. 27 years on the breadline. 1 month in Edinburgh. Let's do this. 1-25 August 19:30pm Just the Tonic @ The Mash House £5 in advance or PWYW
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
@LarryDeanComedy So much respect for how sensitively you handled this (even if she might have been bullshitting). Letting your human-side take control, being patient, kind, and waiting until they were gone before going back into comedy mode - that is real skill. Very well played.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
I was really gutted about the England result, but Andrew Lawrence having his tour cancelled is a good runners-up prize.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
The first episode of my @BBCRadio4 series has been chosen for the Comedy of the Week podcast! As a lover of radio comedy, seeing my show on a podcast feed a week after Just A Minute - a show that is such a huge part of comedy history - is a genuine honour.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
"People on benefits are exactly that: people. We deserve to be treated like it." I wrote this article for the BBC, inspired by my @BBCRadio4 series. Shares really appreciated; I want people on benefits to know that I will never stop standing up for them.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
@hansmollman This tweet inspired me to make an offer on eBay which can only be described as "bloody cheeky". So thank you. #influncer
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
Today my Dad had a hospital appointment, and it's been confirmed that he will be starting chemo again next Wednesday. If you could send good vibes/pray/whatever you think might help, it would be appreciated.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
I've had loads of lovely comments about my flyer already! Have you been able to collect them all?! #flyerfriday #EdFringe #FillYerBoots
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
We finally managed to lug all the coins and notes to the bank last week, so we can now reveal that my compilation show at @edfringe raised a MASSIVE £2673.04 for @turn2us_org ! Thank you again to all the generous audiences, and the great comedians who gave their time for free.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
In some exciting news, the first series of my Radio 4 show is going to be repeated! Starting this Sunday at 00:15, you can tune in and listen to episode 1, and marvel at how it is even more relevant now.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
It's important to remember that there are less audience members, less reviewers, and less industry here this year, with everything going on with the economy and the world. So we have to force ourselves to not take it personally.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
If anyone fancies inviting me to be on your podcast/YouTube interview series/interview blog or anything like that, I have a Radio 4 series coming up that I would love to talk about! I heard the first rough copy of one of the episodes today, and I am so very proud of this series.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
There will be a ridiculous soppy thread tomorrow I suspect, but I've just done my final show. I got a standing ovation at the end. So I did a little cry on stage. Couldn't have wished for a better final show than that. Thank you Edinburgh for being the best. #WeAreAllTomMayhew
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
My producer just made me realise that "Tom Mayhew is Benefit Scum" will be in the Radio Times listings next month, and I find that surreal and hilarious.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
This is from The Daily Mail's Weekend listings magazine! My Grandma read the Mail for most of her life. She would be so proud.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
The final episode of my debut @BBCRadio4 series goes out tonight! I am so excited to say that my Dad will also be making his radio debut. I feel like a skint Jack Whitehall! Tune in at 11pm, on BBC Radio 4. It has been a dream come true to say that this month.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Lovely front cover of next week's RadioTimes! And what's this...what's this new radio show that is a @RadioTimes pick of the day?!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Sean Lock. So many comedians have "things" - a unique selling point to sell yourself - but he was just fucking funny. That's all he needed. What a sad loss to the world. Rest in peace.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
10 months
The decision to cancel Mock the Week last year is made all the more bemusing by the fact that tonight at 10pm, on BBC 2, there is a repeat of an episode from 2021. If a 2 year old repeat of a topical show is good enough to air, how can they say there is no space for new ones?
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Because many artists are in the same boat. Probably the majority. Personally, I think it's mad to find myself in this situation when my 2nd Radio 4 series ended this very month, but we are all used to things being difficult in an unprecedented way nowadays.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
I applied for the BBC Comedy Collective Bursary scheme, but I was unsuccessful. Applying for it did push me to finish episode 1 of my sitcom script, though, so that is something positive!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Within minutes, the wonderful working class designer @AliceWestDesign has sent me this! I'm going to have to get a bloody #PricksNotTwats T-shirt now!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
No working-class person says any private school is "quite cheap". Working-class people grow up worrying about spending £10.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
I don't usually post food photos on social media, but this is the biggest crisp I have ever seen so the world should see it too. #BigCrisp
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
I'm going to organise a gig opposed to the upcoming cuts to Universal Credit. I'm thinking it would make sense for it to be a virtual gig. If anyone is interested in performing, pop me a DM. Not sure of dates and stuff yet, but will keep people in the loop! #KeepTheLifeline
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
@PrideInLondon @jk_rowling ...But wasn't Dumbledore in the closet throughout the books?
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Performing stand-up is where I first talked about my sexuality, ever. It is where I first talked about my MeToo experience. It's vital for many, in ways beyond ego/laughs. It's also the only place where a guy whose family is on benefits can become a fucking king. #SaveLiveComedy
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
"How is comedy going, Tom?" Facebook thinks I am a restaurant.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
My show tonight is the opposite of sold out, so you can still get tickets for a show that has received 5 stars from The Edit and 4 stars from Chortle! I would love to have one of those busy Saturdays so I can treat myself to a kebab later.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
Even though I know how difficult that is; I've gone from thinking this would be an easy sale off the back of my radio series, to wondering what I am doing in this industry, and whether I should bother ever doing another show. Edinburgh can do that to you.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
FRINGE REPORT: This was my 2nd most successful Fringe in terms of making a profit. I did some stunts that really captured people's attention, resulting in a nomination for the Malcolm Hardee award. I am constantly pushing myself as a performer, so I'm really proud of that.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
March 3rd. 11pm. Episode 1 is less than a week away! Thanks to @julings for knocking this fancy animation up!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
@mralistairgreen *Technically* they walked out of Sweeps show.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
We gave Grandma a lovely send-off today. My Grandpa is the biggest sweetheart in the world. Love you lots, Grandma.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
6 years
Super brilliant exciting news: I am in the BBC New Comedy Award heats!!! I've just done the X Factor thing and rung my girlfriend and parents to tell them I am through. Really happy. Can't wait @bbcnewcomedy18
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
I despise being told "we all have to pull together" by a man who has spent his lifetime being a selfish twat.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Tom Mayhew is Benefit Scum: My Radio 4 series starts 3rd March 2021 on BBC Radio 4! We are just 2 days away! Thank you again to Michael @julings for helping make this little teaser trailer!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
At 11pm on BBC Radio 4, my guest on the final episode of the 2nd series of my show is...my Mum! Do listen to the show! Then come to my Edinburgh show! Otherwise Mum will be very upset with you...
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
Look at my Grandpa!!! He's 89, and he's turned up like this. What a hero. Merry Christmas everyone!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
I really, really, really hope people do this. Get the song to number 1, so then Laurence Fox can tune in to the Radio 1 chart show, all proud of himself, and then they can play the edited version anyway.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
1 hour until broadcast! I would like to know: what is the "worst" job someone has ever recommended to you? By worst, I mean a job that you would be completely unsuited to; for example, my JobCentre advisor once suggested I apply to be a make-up assistant at Boots! #BenefitScum
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
It's absolutely fine to find Christmas stressful, difficult, fun, uplifting, joyful, lovely, upsetting, whatever you want. I am feeling at least 4 of those at once right now! Look after yourselves. Somehow, we've made another one. Good job. x
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
Yesterday, me and my parents were in 3 separate rooms. One light on between the 3 of us. I was under my covers in bed at 7. Not to sleep, just to stay warm as we didn't have the heating on. None of this was discussed between us, we just did it. It comes naturally.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
Absolutely over the moon to make the Telegraph's list of the top 25 jokes OF ALL TIME! Among such incredible other acts, too!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
@paulsinha By favouring Pleasance shows - where it is typically very expensive to perform - they are inherently favouring acts from richer backgrounds. Still, I can't wait for the next Guardian article asking "where are the working-class artists?"
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
Just shed a few tears after reading this review. 4 stars from Kate Copstick. 4 stars from The Scotsman.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
So, Edinburgh Fringe 2022 is over. It was a really difficult Fringe for many; speaking from my personal experience, the cost of my accommodation went up by 20% since 2019. If you combine that with lower ticket sales, then it is inevitable that many of us will have had it tough.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
4 years
So many people waste their lives away getting angry at things they wouldn't have ever seen without social media. Go outside. Sniff a flower. Drink a cup of tea. Stop being an angry teapot, just waiting to boil every single day over things that do not matter.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
2 years
If anyone is around in Edinburgh tomorrow, I am filming a little thing for Channel 4 at 10am. They want to film a short set in my venue (Stand 2), so if anyone fancies coming along and being a mini morning audience, I'll happily give you a comp for my show to say thank you!
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
5 years
I have never been on any of those lists. You know, the "top 10 comedians to see" list. Until now. When someone sent it to me saying "look who is on this!", I was expecting it to be a photo of Jim Davidson to prank me. What a lovely surprise.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
3 years
I think Captain Tom's daughter should take a long walk and think about what she's done. Maybe 100 laps of her garden or so.
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@TomMayhew
Tom Mayhew
1 year
You have 2 more chances to sit in one of those chairs tomorrow or Thursday! Look how comfy they look. Plus there are lights and everything!
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