Interview: US Comedian Sam Morrison brings his Sugar Daddy back to Soho Theatre
As Soho Theatre welcomes back Sam Morrison for another highly anticipated run of hit show Sugar Daddy, we caught up with the funny man himself to talk about dark comedy, Fringe frolics, the UK stand-up scene, comedy inspirations, and things to do in London…
Hey Sam – thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. So, Sugar Daddy, what’s that all about?
It’s a secret! You’ll have to come to find out 🙂 Oh how I love being coy.
How important to do you think it is for comedy to explore darker topics such as tragedy and grief?
Personally, it’s been extremely powerful for so many reasons. One of the big ways recently is community – it can help demystify death, make it less awkward and scary to talk about, and therefore, make my grief less lonely.
Obviously, for many people the two don’t mix. Use comedy however much or little you want, in any way you want in your grief.
You’re a regular on the Brooklyn comedy scene – how does that differ from the UK comedy circuit?
I’m honestly not too familiar with the UK comedy circuit beyond Edinburgh, but the lineup structure is so wildly different! One thing I love is the host being top billing. That’s universally regarded as the hardest spot but in the US it’s often a younger comedian trying to break into regular spots. I think that really changes how the show feels.
Any ‘it could only happen at Ed Fringe’ stories to share?
I love it! I miss it! I had so much FOMO being in the States this August.
The quietest, most intimate moment of my show coincided with the show right next door absolutely blasting YMCA. It was honestly hilarious. Couldn’t have scripted it better myself.
Who or what are your comedy inspirations?
My friends – Dylan Adler, Ashley Gavin, Kenice Mobley to name a few. I just watched Michelle Wolf’s new special – fantastic.
What are your favourite things to do in London?
Last time my friend the wildly talented Elf Lyons took me to see the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs. Adore! Would love to do some thrifting this time!
Don’t miss Sam Morrison: Sugar Daddy at Soho Theatre – 24-28 October 2023.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like: nice pubs, film marathons, not doing real marathons, bad comedy, plays/musicals with shorter second halves, and the Oxford comma.
