Archie Maddocks

Jan 29

ABOUT ARCHIE MADDOCKS:

Archie is a stand up comedian and writer. For stand-up comedy, he’s a regular on the domestic and international circuit, gigging everywhere from London, to Dubai, to Cape Town, to Runcorn. He’s also a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where his shows have always garnered 4 and 5 star reviews (there was a 2 once, but he refuses to talk about that). As a writer, he’s currently under commission for projects with CBS, Channel 4, ITV, Sky, BBC and a bunch of others (he might be writing this himself, but he will not arrogantly blow his load in an about you section).

Hi Archie! We’re excited to have you at TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells. Can you please tell us about your idea worth spreading?
My idea is centred around the idea of comedy and offence. Comedy, as a mechanic, relies on the art of surprise - something must surprise, or sometimes shock, in order to illicit laughter. In fact, it’s similarity to drama, which also relies on surprise to affect an audience, is only separated by tone. So why then do people get offended by jokes - by things that are not real? Or worse, by reality?

I want to dissect the idea of comedy and offence and end with the conclusion that offense is actually a good thing, but that jokes shouldn’t be taken more seriously (seen as more offensive) than physical, real bad things. You know like murder, poverty and Katie Hopkins. Lets all just relax a bit and let loose, and laugh.

What is your main motivation for giving a TEDx talk??
My main motivation behind giving a TEDx talk is the money and fame. I’m deadly serious… OK, I’m not. My main motivation is to try and attempt to get people to look at the world a little differently - there’s so much serious stuff going on, that laughter as a method of realising tension should be cherished.

What’s the one thing that you'd like the audience to take away from your TEDx talk?
The one thing I’d like people to take away if laughter ideally - and a renewed sense that sometimes, laughing is the best way to deal with things.

What are some of your favourite TED or TEDx talks?
I enjoyed TED talks from Hannah Gadsby and Maz Jobrani.