Jordan Brookes: A Comedian's Journey to Stand-Up Stardom

So, Jordan Brookes. You might have heard the name, or maybe you've seen him doing his thing on stage. He's one of those comedians who's really carved out his own space in the comedy world. It wasn't an overnight thing, mind you. Like most comics, he's had his journey, starting out and working his way up. It's interesting to see how someone goes from just starting out to actually becoming a big deal in stand-up. This article is going to look at how Jordan Brookes got to where he is today, what makes his shows so talked about, and what he's up to now.

Key Takeaways

• Jordan Brookes started in comedy as a bit of an outsider, known for his unusual style that pushed the boundaries of what people expected from stand-up.

• He gained serious attention at the Edinburgh Fringe, with shows that critics praised for being creative and well-put-together, showing a fresh way of doing comedy.

• His performances are recognised for being different, using silly faces and breaking traditional comedy rules, which made his debut stand out.

• Brookes has won big awards, including the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, and has been recognised by other major comedy awards, showing his talent is widely acknowledged.

• Beyond stand-up, Jordan Brookes is also involved in acting and writing, with work developing for TV and radio, including creating content for Channel 4.

The Early Days Of Jordan Brookes

A Maverick Of Alternative Comedy

Jordan Brookes didn't exactly ease into the comedy scene; he sort of burst onto it, a bit like a firework that nobody quite saw coming. He's often described as a bit of a maverick, someone who doesn't really play by the usual stand-up rules. This is something that really set him apart from the get-go. He’s not your typical joke-teller; his style is more about creating an experience, a bit weird and wonderful, as The Stage once put it. It’s this willingness to be different that made him stand out.

Pushing The Envelope Of Modern Comedy

When you watch Jordan, you get the sense he’s always trying to see what he can get away with. He’s not afraid to be a bit uncomfortable, both for himself and for the audience. It’s like he’s constantly testing the boundaries of what stand-up comedy can be. He’s been called a sleeper hit, which makes sense because he’s the kind of act that creeps up on you and then blows you away. He’s not just telling jokes; he’s building something, a performance that feels fresh and, frankly, a bit unpredictable. It’s this kind of innovation that makes you wonder what he’ll do next.

Uncomfortable Poses And Unnecessary Confessions

One of the things people notice straight away about Jordan's early work is his stage presence. He’s known for striking odd poses and sharing things that feel almost too personal, like he’s just blurting out whatever comes into his head. It’s this raw, unfiltered approach that makes his shows so engaging. He’s not polished in the traditional sense, and that’s exactly why people connect with him. It feels real, like you’re getting a glimpse into his actual thoughts, even if they are a bit strange.

It’s this blend of the bizarre and the relatable that makes his material so memorable. He’s not afraid to be awkward, and in doing so, he makes the audience feel a little less awkward themselves.

His early shows were a mix of characters, stand-up, and something a bit more experimental. It was this creative approach that really got people talking. He was doing things that other comedians weren't, and it was clear he was on his own path. You can see this in the way he’s been reviewed, with critics noting his unique take on the art form. It’s this distinctive style that has helped him build a following and eventually led to bigger things, like his success at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Critical Acclaim For Jordan Brookes

Edinburgh Fringe Success

Jordan Brookes has really made a name for himself at the Edinburgh Fringe. He's been a bit of a sleeper hit, meaning people might not have expected it, but he's definitely been noticed. After his first show went down well, he came back with more. It's clear the festival circuit is where he shines, and audiences have responded really positively to his unique take on things.

Superbly Crafted And Creative Shows

Reviewers have often pointed out how well put-together his shows are. It's not just about telling jokes; it's a whole performance. He's known for switching things up, moving between straight stand-up, characters, and something a bit more experimental. This mix is what makes his sets stand out. People have said his shows are some of the most creative they've seen, and that's saying something at a festival like Edinburgh.

• Cleverly switches between characters and stand-up.

• Avant-garde elements add a unique flavour.

• Shows are consistently praised for their creativity.

An Innovative Approach To Stand-Up

What really gets people talking is how Jordan Brookes doesn't seem to play by the usual rules of stand-up comedy. It's like he takes all the established norms and just twists them into something new. Critics have noted this innovative approach, saying he deserves recognition for doing something different. It’s this willingness to break the mould that has earned him such high praise and a dedicated following. His debut hour, in particular, was seen as a really assured performance that showed off his distinctive style. It’s this kind of originality that makes you want to see what he’ll do next, maybe even catch him on a tour like Paul Chowdhry's if he announces one.

Jordan Brookes' Unique Style

Silly Faces And Avant-Garde Performance

Jordan Brookes doesn't really do standard stand-up. He's more of a performance artist who happens to be hilarious. You'll see him pulling all sorts of weird faces and getting into these odd poses on stage. It’s not just for laughs, though; it feels like part of the joke, a way of showing you something unexpected. He’s definitely not afraid to be a bit strange, and that’s what makes him stand out. It’s like he’s taking the whole idea of a comedy show and twisting it into something new.

Breaking Stand-Up Rules

It feels like Jordan has read every single rulebook for stand-up comedy and then decided to ignore them all. He switches between telling jokes, doing characters, and just being… well, weirdly himself. Some people might find it a bit much at first, but there's a real craft to it. He’s not just being random; it’s all put together really carefully. He manages to make these unconventional bits work, which is pretty impressive. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the usual format you see at the Edinburgh Fringe.

A Distinctive And Assured Debut

When Jordan Brookes first came onto the scene, it was clear he was doing something different. His early shows, like his debut hour, had this confident, almost experimental feel. He wasn't trying to be like anyone else. The way he put his material together, mixing different performance styles, showed a real knack for creating something original. It was like he knew exactly what he was doing, even when it looked like he was just messing about. This distinctive approach really set him apart and showed he was a comedian with a unique voice.

Awards And Recognition For Jordan Brookes

Jordan Brookes hasn't just been making waves in the comedy scene; he's been collecting some rather impressive accolades along the way. It's not often you see a comedian achieve this level of recognition so early in their career, but Brookes has certainly earned it. His unique approach to stand-up has clearly struck a chord with critics and award bodies alike.

Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner

Perhaps the most significant feather in his cap is winning the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Comedy Show in 2019 for his show 'I've Got Nothing'. This is a massive deal in the comedy world, often seen as the pinnacle of achievement at the Edinburgh Fringe. He was also nominated for the same award back in 2017, showing a consistent level of high performance over the years.

Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award

Adding to his collection, Brookes also scooped the Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award in 2018. This award is voted for by fellow comedians, which really speaks volumes about the respect he commands from his peers. It highlights that his innovative style isn't just appreciated by audiences and critics, but also by the people who do the same job.

Nominations And Accolades

Beyond these major wins, Jordan Brookes has consistently been recognised through various nominations and positive mentions. His shows have frequently been lauded at festivals, with critics praising his creative risks and assured performances. This ongoing stream of recognition solidifies his status as a significant talent.

• 2019: Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Comedy Show

• 2018: Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award

• 2017: Nominated for Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Comedy Show

The consistent praise and awards suggest Brookes is more than just a flash in the pan. He's a comedian who is genuinely pushing boundaries and is recognised for it by the industry. It's exciting to see what he does next, especially with new stand-up specials always on the horizon for UK comedians.

Jordan Brookes' Impact On Comedy

A Sleeper Hit Of The Edinburgh Festivals

Jordan Brookes didn't just arrive on the comedy scene; he sort of crept in, a bit like that one mate who turns up to the party and suddenly everyone's having a better time. He became a bit of a 'sleeper hit' at the Edinburgh Fringe, meaning people started talking about him, then more people talked, and suddenly he was everywhere. It wasn't a sudden explosion, more of a slow burn that caught everyone's attention.

Inspiring A New Generation Of Comedians

What's really interesting is how Brookes has managed to shake things up. He's not afraid to break the usual stand-up rules, you know, the ones everyone else seems to follow. This willingness to experiment means he's showing other comedians that there's more than one way to be funny. It's like he's opened a door for people who might have felt a bit stuck doing the same old thing.

The Jordan Brookes Phenomenon

It's hard to pin down exactly what makes Jordan Brookes so special, but there's definitely something about his style that's captured people's imaginations. He mixes silly faces with really clever writing, and it just works.

He's managed to create a unique space for himself in comedy, proving that being a bit weird and experimental can actually be incredibly successful. It's a breath of fresh air.

His success shows that audiences are ready for something different, something that challenges expectations. It's not just about telling jokes; it's about the whole performance, the energy, and the unexpected turns. This approach has really made waves.

Beyond Stand-Up: Jordan Brookes The Actor And Writer

Projects In Development For TV And Radio

While Jordan Brookes is best known for his unique take on stand-up comedy, he's also been busy behind the scenes, working on various projects for television and radio. It’s not just about the stage for Jordan; he’s exploring different avenues to bring his creative vision to life. He's got a few things in the pipeline that could see his distinctive humour reach a wider audience beyond live shows. It’s always interesting to see comedians branch out, and Jordan seems to be doing it with a lot of thought.

Creating Shorts For Channel 4

One of the more concrete examples of his work outside of stand-up is his involvement with Channel 4. Jordan created a series of shorts for the broadcaster, showcasing his ability to adapt his comedic style to a different format. These shorts allowed him to experiment with visual gags and character work in a way that a live set might not always permit. It’s a good way for him to test out new ideas and reach people who might not catch him at a festival or club. It shows he’s not afraid to try new things, which is pretty cool.

A Versatile Performer

Jordan Brookes is proving to be more than just a stand-up comic. His ventures into acting and writing, including those Channel 4 shorts, highlight a real versatility. It’s clear he’s got a creative drive that extends beyond the microphone. This willingness to explore different artistic outlets suggests a long and varied career ahead, much like other comedians who have successfully transitioned into other areas of entertainment. It’s exciting to think about what he might do next, perhaps even following in the footsteps of someone like Josie Long who has also diversified her creative output.

It's often the case that comedians who excel on stage also have a knack for writing and performing in other mediums. This adaptability is key to a lasting career in the entertainment industry, allowing them to connect with audiences in multiple ways and keep their work fresh and engaging.

The Road Ahead

So, Jordan Brookes has certainly made a name for himself, hasn't he? From those early days to winning big awards, it’s been quite the ride. He’s not afraid to try new things, which is probably why people keep coming back for more. It’ll be interesting to see what he does next, but one thing’s for sure: he’s left his mark on the comedy scene. Keep an eye out, because this comedian isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Jordan Brookes start doing comedy?

Jordan Brookes became known as a 'sleeper hit' at the Edinburgh Festivals, meaning he gradually gained popularity over time. His unique style started to stand out around the 2017 and 2019 festivals.

What is Jordan Brookes' comedy style like?

Jordan's comedy is often described as 'alternative' and 'avant-garde'. He's known for making silly faces, striking unusual poses, and sharing unexpected personal stories. He really likes to bend the usual rules of stand-up comedy.

Did Jordan Brookes win any awards?

Yes, he certainly did! Jordan won the big Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Comedy Show in 2019 for his performance called 'I've Got Nothing'. He also won the Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award in 2018.

Is Jordan Brookes only a stand-up comedian?

No, he's more than just a stand-up! Jordan is also an actor and a writer. He's been working on different projects for TV and radio, and even created his own short videos for Channel 4.

What did critics say about Jordan Brookes' shows?

Reviewers often praised his shows for being very creative and well-put-together. They mentioned how he cleverly mixes different types of performance, like characters and stand-up, and how he does things differently from most comedians.

How has Jordan Brookes influenced other comedians?

Because he's not afraid to try new things and break the mould, Jordan has inspired a new wave of comedians to be more experimental. His success shows that being unique and pushing boundaries can lead to great things in comedy.