Jon Long Comedy: A Look at the Edinburgh Fringe Star's Latest Set
- comedyinyoureye
- May 15
- 10 min read
Jon Long is making waves at the Edinburgh Fringe with his show 'Planet Killing Machine'. It's a bit of a departure, mixing music with some serious chat about the environment. We're taking a look at what makes his comedy tick, from his early influences to what he's planning next. It's not your typical stand-up, that's for sure.
Key Takeaways
Jon Long's show 'Planet Killing Machine' uses music and humour to discuss environmental issues.
His comedy often blends personal experiences with wider social and political commentary.
Kathy Burke is cited as a significant childhood influence on his comedic style.
The show aims to connect with those grappling with environmental guilt, dubbed 'conscious incompetents'.
Post-Fringe, Jon Long plans to continue live performances and personal environmental efforts.
Jon Long Comedy: A Planet-Saving Proposition
Introducing Planet Killing Machine
Jon Long's debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, 'Planet Killing Machine', isn't just another comedy show. It's a sharp, funny look at how we're all, well, killing the planet. Long himself admits that defining himself as anything other than a 'Planet-Killing Machine' is tough these days. The show digs into his own carbon footprint, and how easy it is to get distracted by personal dramas instead of facing the big stuff. But don't worry, it's all wrapped up in jokes and songs.
The Environmental Angle
It might seem odd to find humour in environmental collapse, but Long argues it's necessary. While the news is full of climate crisis stories, there aren't actually that many comedy shows tackling it head-on. Perhaps people think impending doom isn't funny? Long, however, has a background in environmental education, so he's not just jumping on a bandwagon. He's genuinely grappling with the issue, and wants to get others thinking too.
A Call to the Conscious Incompetent
So, who should see 'Planet Killing Machine'? Long says anyone! It's not a lecture, and he's certainly no saint. The show is for people who are starting to realise the scale of the problem and are wrestling with their own guilt. He calls this group the 'conscious incompetent' – people like him, who know there's a problem but aren't quite sure what to do about it. It’s a show for everyone trying to figure things out, with a good dose of laughs along the way. If you're looking for some sharp satire, you might enjoy shows from comedians like Harry Enfield.
The show is about confronting our own impact on the environment, but doing it with a smile rather than a sigh. It’s about acknowledging the mess we’re in, and finding a way to talk about it that doesn’t just leave you feeling hopeless.
Here's a quick look at what the show covers:
The personal carbon footprint of an average person.
The disconnect between daily life and global environmental issues.
Musical numbers that highlight our planet-damaging habits.
Humorous takes on potential solutions and individual actions.
It’s a show that aims to make you laugh, think, and maybe even feel a little bit better about the overwhelming task of saving the planet. For more on what's happening in comedy, check out upcoming tours.
The Genesis of Jon Long's Humour
Childhood Comedy Influences
Jon Long's comedic roots are firmly planted in the fertile ground of 90s British television. Growing up, comedy wasn't just a pastime; it was a shared family experience. From the anarchic humour of shows like Harry Enfield and Chums to the sharp wit of Absolutely Fabulous, these programmes provided a constant source of laughter. It was a time when the British Comedy Awards were a regular fixture, offering up memorable moments that stuck with young viewers. This early exposure to a wide range of comedic styles, from the surreal to the observational, undoubtedly shaped his developing sense of humour.
The Enduring Appeal of Kathy Burke
Among the many influences, Kathy Burke stands out as a particular favourite. Long recalls watching her acceptance speech at the 2002 British Comedy Awards for her role in Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. This moment, shared with his sister, became a go-to clip for cheering him up. Burke's raw, uninhibited performances and her ability to embody complex characters clearly left a lasting impression. It’s this kind of authentic, powerful performance that Long seems to admire and perhaps even strive for in his own work. You could say, if you don't get Kathy Burke, we probably can't be friends.
Early Exposure to the Fringe
Long's journey into comedy wasn't an overnight decision. He's had previous experience at the Edinburgh Fringe, performing in showcases and shorter sets before launching his debut hour. This familiarity with the festival environment, with its unique pressures and opportunities, means he's not entirely going in blind. He understands the scale of the event and the challenge of standing out amongst thousands of other acts. Having friends who have navigated their debut shows has also provided some insight into what to expect, though he anticipates the reviews and the impostor syndrome will still be a significant hurdle. It's a place where many comedians test their material, and seeing acts like Metroland perform there shows the kind of boundary-pushing comedy that can thrive. Catch top talents live at festivals across the UK.
The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique beast. It's a melting pot of creativity, where seasoned professionals and first-timers alike put their work on the line. For a comedian like Jon Long, it's both a proving ground and a launchpad, offering a chance to connect with audiences and refine their craft in a high-stakes environment.
Behind the Scenes of Planet Killing Machine
So, Jon Long's debut hour, 'Planet Killing Machine', is a bit of a beast. It’s not just a collection of jokes; it’s a whole thing about, well, killing the planet. Long himself admits that defining himself as anything other than a 'Planet-Killing Machine' is tough right now. The show really digs into how he discovered his own massive carbon footprint and how easy it is to just ignore all that by focusing on personal drama instead. You know, with songs and jokes thrown in.
Defining the Debut Show
When you're putting together your first big show for a festival like Edinburgh, there's a lot to think about. Long mentioned that a debut should be an introduction to who you are. For him, that meant looking at his own impact on the environment. It’s a show born from personal realisation, not just jumping on a bandwagon. He’s got a background in environmental education, which gives him a bit of a different angle on the whole thing, apparently.
Navigating Fringe Expectations
Edinburgh is a massive deal for comedians, and the debut hour is a big step. Long has friends who've done it before, so he had some idea of what to expect. He's also done shorter sets at the Fringe before. What he wasn't quite ready for, though, was the thought of reviews and the sheer impostor syndrome that comes with people actually paying to see him for a whole hour. It’s a lot to take in, for sure.
Standing Out from the Crowd
With thousands of shows at the Fringe, how do you make yours noticed? Long reckons that even though the environment is all over the news, there aren't actually that many comedy shows tackling it head-on. Maybe people think impending doom isn't funny? But Long clearly disagrees. He wants to talk about it, and he does it with songs and a good dose of self-deprecation. It’s a show for anyone who’s starting to grasp the scale of the problem and is feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. He calls them the 'newly conscious incompetent'.
The show isn't a lecture, despite Long's background. He's quick to point out he's no saint and the research has mostly shown him his own failings. It's more about shared guilt and trying to figure things out together, with a laugh.
It’s interesting to see how comedians approach big, serious topics. You see different styles, like the observational humour of someone like Nate Bargatze, or the more satirical approach you might find in British comedy styles. Long seems to be carving out his own niche by blending musicality with a very real, pressing issue. It’s a brave move, and one that could really make an impact if it lands right with the audience.
Jon Long's Unique Comedic Voice
Musical Comedy and Social Commentary
Jon Long really stands out because he mixes music with his comedy, and it's not just for a laugh. His songs in 'Planet Killing Machine' aren't just catchy tunes; they're packed with sharp observations about how we're messing up the planet. It’s a clever way to get serious points across without sounding like a lecture. He’s got this knack for taking big, scary environmental issues and turning them into something you can actually laugh at, which is pretty impressive. It makes you think, but you're also having a good time.
The Personal Meets the Political
What makes Long’s act so relatable is how he ties his own life into these larger political and environmental topics. He’s not afraid to admit he’s part of the problem, calling himself a 'Planet-Killing Machine' and exploring his own carbon footprint. This honesty is disarming. It’s not just about pointing fingers; it’s about shared responsibility and the awkwardness of trying to do better when you’re not perfect. This blend of personal confession and global concern is what gives his comedy its weight. It feels genuine, like he's figuring it out alongside the audience.
Humour in the Face of Crisis
It takes a certain kind of comedian to find humour when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Long tackles the impending doom of climate change head-on, but with a smile. He uses his background in environmental education to inform his jokes, so it’s not just a passing trend. He believes that talking about these issues, even through laughter, is better than ignoring them. It’s a brave approach, especially at a place like the Edinburgh Fringe, where there are so many different shows. His ability to make light of dark situations, without trivialising them, is a real talent. It’s a style that’s becoming more important, as we all try to make sense of the world around us. You can see how this kind of authentic voice is shaping the future of stand-up comedy.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems. Long’s act offers a way to process that anxiety through shared experience and a good dose of humour. He’s not offering easy answers, but he is offering a way to talk about the tough stuff without losing hope entirely.
Post-Fringe Ambitions for Jon Long
Developing New Projects
So, the Edinburgh Fringe run of 'Planet Killing Machine' is wrapped up. What's next for Jon Long? Well, he's not one to rest on his laurels, that's for sure. He's already got a few ideas bubbling away. There's talk of a potential radio show, still in the very early stages, which would likely explore similar themes to his debut hour. It sounds like he wants to keep the conversation going about our impact on the planet, but in a different format. It's exciting to think about how that might take shape, especially if it retains the same wit and musicality.
A Continued Focus on Live Performance
Despite the lure of radio or other media, Jon's heart seems to be firmly set on live comedy. He's mentioned that any other project is really just a bonus. The stage is where he feels most at home, and where he can really connect with the audience. It makes sense, really. That immediate feedback, the shared experience of laughter – you can't quite replicate that anywhere else. He's keen to keep honing his craft and bringing his unique brand of humour to as many people as possible. It's good to hear that live performance is still the main game for him, much like how comedians such as Dave Elliott have built their careers.
Personal Environmental Commitments
Beyond the stage, Jon's also looking to walk the walk, so to speak. He's openly acknowledged his own shortcomings when it comes to environmental impact, and the show itself was born from that realisation. So, it's no surprise that he's aiming to be 'less planet-killer-y' in his own life. It’s a relatable sentiment, isn't it? We all know we should be doing more, but it can feel overwhelming. His commitment to personal change, alongside his public platform, shows a genuine desire to make a difference. It's not just about making jokes; it's about trying to live a bit more consciously.
The journey from realising the scale of the environmental problem to actually changing personal habits is a big one. It's easy to feel guilty, but Jon's approach seems to be about acknowledging that and finding humour in the struggle, rather than just despair.
Here's a quick look at some of the areas he might be focusing on:
Reducing single-use plastics
Exploring more sustainable travel options
Minimising food waste
Supporting eco-friendly businesses
It's a big task, but if anyone can make it funny and inspiring, it's probably Jon Long. He's definitely a comedian to keep an eye on, especially if you enjoyed his insightful show, much like audiences did with Johnny Cochrane's debut.
After his time at the festival, Jon Long has big plans. He's not just resting on his laurels; he's looking to make an even bigger splash. You can find out all about his next steps and what he's got cooking by visiting our website.
So, What's the Verdict?
All in all, Jon Long's 'Planet Killing Machine' seems to be a show that really hits the mark. It’s not just about making you laugh, though it clearly does that, but it also gets you thinking about some pretty big stuff. Long manages to blend his musical talents with some sharp observations about the world around us, especially our impact on the planet. It’s the kind of comedy that sticks with you after the show's over, making you chuckle at the jokes but also ponder the message. If you're looking for something a bit different at the Fringe, something that's both funny and thought-provoking, then this is definitely one to catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jon Long's show 'Planet Killing Machine' about?
Jon Long's show is a comedy set where he sings funny songs and talks about how we're damaging the planet. He also shares ideas on how we can help fix things. It's basically about him realising he's part of the problem but trying to make light of it with jokes.
Why did Jon Long choose the title 'Planet Killing Machine'?
He chose this title because he feels like, as a person, he's a 'Planet Killing Machine' himself. The show explores how we all contribute to environmental problems, sometimes without even realising it, and how we try to avoid thinking about it by focusing on our own lives.
Is the show 'Planet Killing Machine' a serious lecture about the environment?
No, it's definitely not a lecture! Even though it's about serious environmental issues, Jon Long uses jokes and songs to make it funny and engaging. He says it's for people who are starting to worry about the planet and feel a bit guilty about it, like him.
What inspired Jon Long's comedy style?
Jon Long was really inspired by the actress Kathy Burke when he was growing up. He loved her performances in shows like 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme' and found her acceptance speeches particularly funny and uplifting. He also mentions his family watching comedy shows together.
Does Jon Long have experience with environmental topics?
Yes, he does! Before becoming a comedian, Jon Long worked in environmental education. He mentions this to show he's not just talking about the environment because it's popular, but because he has some background knowledge on the subject.
What are Jon Long's plans after the Edinburgh Fringe?
After the festival, Jon Long wants to keep performing live shows. He's also thinking about creating a radio show about environmental topics, but his main focus is on live comedy. He also wants to try and be better for the planet in his own life.