Jay Sodagar

Who am I?: Jay Sodagar

How old am I?: 2??(ish) (OK 30)

What do I do?: Observe and talk about stuff for comedic purposes. (Stand Up)

Why do I do it?: I love comedy!

What do I talk about?:
I would term my comedy Social Conscience Comedy, this genre underlines observational, political and straight stand-up. Whether its because I am Asian or because I am a cool dude, depends what the audience sees. Being Asian isn't everything, after all, I have only ever been to India once ever.

Am I Controversial?: I don't do cheap gags, but I do love making people think about what I talk about. Getting up peoples noses is not my intention, telling the truth is though, which I hold dearly to my heart, ALL IN A FUNNY WAY.

How long have I been going?: 6 years.

Who are my Comedy Idols?: Any original comedian, who knows what they are talking about.

Where else have I played?:
The Comedy Store (20's)
Downstairs at the Kings Head (15's)
Semi-finalist at the BBC New Comedy Awards 2000
Benefit gig at the Bloomsbury Theatre (20 minutes)
Banana Cabaret (20's)
Bearcat Comedy Club
Comedy Café
Hackney Empire (20's)
Late n Live (Edinburgh)
and most gigs around London

T.V. Credits:
(future projects are included that have been confirmed)
1) BBC New Comedy Awards Semi Finals (Birmingham) 2000 (BBC Choice)
2) BBC Mega Mela Malai Comedy - Cream of Asian Comedy 2001 (BBC 2 and BBC Choice)
3) BBC Mega Mela Malai Comedy 3 - Cream of Asian Comedy 2002 (BBC 2 and BBC Choice)
4) Look East - Asian Magazine Program 2003 (BBC 2 Midlands)

Have I done anything else artistic?:
Yes, I have written a sketch show which is currently being viewed by several TV companies. Based on an idea I wrote several years ago before I started doing comedy.

I have also been heavily involved with Comedy Improvisation, I was a part of the first all Asian Impro Team, which now tours Canada and the US.

I did College radio in Bedford for BCFM. I was Weekend DJ, doing the lunchtime slot. I did that for 4 weeks, and I am going to be doing it again in the New Year.