So why does Utter Shambles work so well? It’s not a particularly original idea, but two aspects make these podcasts stand out. The first is the undoubted chemistry between Robin and Josie. The latter’s more hopeful and altruistic outlook a natural foil for the former’s unbridled ire, but between them they play off eachother brilliantly.
Download Robin and Josie's Utter Shambles here.
The second unique feature of the podcast was the nature of what’s talked about. Chat shows involve guests who are usually always there to promote something. This is not the case with US. The guests just come on to have a laugh. I always encourage a hands-off approach to the recordings, partly because I am very lazy, but also because Robin works best when left to do his own thing.
The result is an unguarded, candid chat. Nothing is off limits and anything goes. And it usually does. Only recently I’ve given them a c**t quota, whereby they can use up to five utterances of the word per recording, no more. I don’t really mean it, I just like to see if they keep to it. I may still yet clamp down on Josie’s insistence on stuffing her face with biscuits, apples or other noisy foodstuffs when we’re recording.
Download Robin and Josie's Utter Shambles here.
The second unique feature of the podcast was the nature of what’s talked about. Chat shows involve guests who are usually always there to promote something. This is not the case with US. The guests just come on to have a laugh. I always encourage a hands-off approach to the recordings, partly because I am very lazy, but also because Robin works best when left to do his own thing.
The result is an unguarded, candid chat. Nothing is off limits and anything goes. And it usually does. Only recently I’ve given them a c**t quota, whereby they can use up to five utterances of the word per recording, no more. I don’t really mean it, I just like to see if they keep to it. I may still yet clamp down on Josie’s insistence on stuffing her face with biscuits, apples or other noisy foodstuffs when we’re recording.
I also believe US success lies partly down to the simple fact people aren’t as stupid as mainstream TV would have you believe. Most comedy seems dumbed down these days and I think it’s important to celebrate daft and light-hearted comedy that’s also intellectually stimulating. You don’t have to be well educated to find intelligent comedy funny.
After all, Flying Circus had sketches like ‘summarizing Proust’ and millions of people took Monty Python to their heart. Was everyone smarter back then? No. It just seems that broadcasters have lost their way in recent years, bowing to focus groups and market research, and less on what is instinctively funny.
Fortunately the web is not subject to these restrictions and Utter Shambles can continue wearing its smarts proudly on its mucky sleeves. As a result of staying true to its principles, it has been received over 3 million downloads.
Of course, both Robin and Josie keep on getting bigger and more successful. Deservedly so, I hasten to add, but I feel honoured and privileged to be involved in their world, to also work with such iconic and influential figures from different walks of life and long may it continue.
At this point I’d also like to end by offering a big thanks to Mike Pell for his superb editing. Like a modern day Rumpelstiltskin, that man can weave auditory gold from rambling straw like nobody I know. And don’t forget you can download every episode of Utter Shambles, completely free, right here.
Copyright : D.Stringer/Comedy Central UK