Sam Jay Q&A
From Boston to Britain, the performer and Saturday Night Live writer chats comedy ahead of her UK stand up

Published on May 21, 2019
Buy Tickets to see Sam Jay at Soho Theatre (June 17 to 22)

Thank you so much for your time, Sam. Our traditional opening question - where in the States are you from?

I am from Boston, Massachusetts, where all the English/American beef started lol.

How did you first get involved in comedy?

Well, hmmm, my cousin’s husband was into it and I always had an interest. Like since I was a kid I loved funny things, comedians, cartoons ... I just liked the way you could make people laugh, but he brought me to my first shows.

You do stand-up comedy whilst you also write, including for Saturday Night Live. Do you prefer writing or being up on stage?

I don’t prefer either. I like them both, they’re so different and allow me to be funny in different ways.

In terms of SNL, the last two years have been very memorable for the show. Is the world just full of more things we can laugh about?

I mean, I think that stuff in the world is so tumultuous, so much is going on, I think people are looking to make art more period to just wrap their heads around it all.

How would you describe your style of comedy, and what kind of topics do you cover?

My style?? I mean I just try to talk about the things that drive me, and of course be funny. I don’t know what style that is exactly. I talk about anything and everything. It could go from dating, to world issues, to just my bowel movements, it’s just what I feel.

You'll be in the UK this June for your UK stand up debut - congrats! How is it feeling to be crossing the pond?

I am very excited! I can’t wait to see how I am received by the crowds. I think we gonna have a good ass time.

What can visitors to your show at Soho Theatre expect?

They can expect me to be there and they can expect some jokes and hopefully hella haha’s.

Do you have any other plans for your time in the UK - seeing the sights, going places, meeting people etc?

Oh yeah! I want to get some bespoke clothing, go by the place and scream, “America rules!” And, uh, just take it all in honestly. It’s a city I’ve always wanted to see. I think a lot of Boston is modelled after it and that will be cool to see as well.

What's on the horizon for you after your UK shows?

More touring, couple of writing projects, and hopefully a good sleep.

Finally, what's the best thing about being Sam Jay?

I guess it’s that I will never have to wonder what would’ve happened if I tried comedy, I don’t have to live with that regret.

Sam Jay performs at Soho Theatre from June 17 to 22 at 7:30pm, tickets can be found at https://sohotheatre.com/shows/sam-jay

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