Welcome to Write to Comedy
(or ten facts about Jacquie J Sarah)
A blog about television comedy, and more
Let’s start with the truth: I can’t tell you exactly what this blog will become. I haven’t written it yet. But Write to Comedy is where I plan to indulge one of my favourite obsessions - television comedy. Expect top ten lists, deep dives, nostalgic rambles, breakdowns of iconic episodes, love letters to shows that shaped me, and possibly the odd rage-fuelled rant. It’ll evolve as I go. We’ll figure it out together.
You can find my professional profile over at JacquieJSarah.com, but here’s the behind-the-scenes version. The pre-show warm-up, if you like. Let me tell you where I’m coming from…
A recent pic of Jacquie J Sarah with flattering light and a good angle
1. I’ve Been Obsessed with TV Comedy Forever
It all started in the living room. Watching comedy was a shared family activity—something magical we could all enjoy together. It didn’t matter if you were eight or eighty, Del Boy falling through the bar was funny to everyone. And it still is. On That TV Comedy Podcast, my sister and I talk about the shows that shaped our love for the genre and dive into the endless fascination that comedy offers.
2. Comedy Got Me Into Theatre (Sort Of)
Stick with me—this meanders a bit, but I promise it ends in the theatre.
As an adult, I discovered I could pay to see people stand on a stage and try to make me laugh. Mind-blowing. In Cardiff, big-name comics would play the now-decrepit (yet technically still standing) St David’s Hall. At the time, theatre didn’t feel like “for me.” It was for middle-class people, watching other middle-class people do very middle-class things. I wasn’t even on the mailing list.
That changed thanks to a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe. I went with someone who’d been before (a Fringe veteran is essential if you want to avoid collapsing from schedule stress) and they insisted on seeing theatre too. So I did. And wow.
The first play I saw was in a crumbling upstairs room, the kind with folding chairs and questionable fire safety. But the actors were right there - inches away. Real actors. Some even famous. It was electric. That experience changed everything. My Edinburgh visits quickly flipped from “mostly comedy” to “a lot of theatre with just enough comedy to justify the trip.” I was hooked.
3. The First Time I Made People Laugh (In Writing)
This happened at the Edinburgh Fringe too - at a free show. (They’re a mix: some brilliant, some... less so.)
We’d landed on one of the latter. It was humourless. But hey, it was in a pub, and the beer flowed freely. I wasn’t being rude, just quietly bored. I grabbed a pen and started scribbling comments (some might call it punching up the comedy) in the margins of a free newspaper. Harmless fun, I thought.
Unbeknownst to me, the people at my table were reading along and passing the paper. Soon, people from other tables were hovering, reading it too. The MC suddenly snapped, demanding silence and respect for the performers. Then fingers pointed - at me. Apparently, my running commentary had become the star of the show. It wasn’t exactly the path to fame I’d imagined, but people laughed, and that lit a fire.
I’ve since been on stage and taken part in Fringe shows (not in my own shows, never professionally, alas). I'd love to, but, you know… working-class background, no budget, no trust fund, no lottery win. These things matter. And life gets in the way.
4. I Did Make It in Cardiff (Sort Of)
If not Edinburgh, at least I made it work locally. My sister (yes, the podcast one) and I co-founded Amaline Theatre Productions. We somehow convinced people to rehearse and perform plays I’d written—and even more impressively, convinced others to pay to see them. Honestly? Genius.
I’d studied acting for years, but running a company? Whole different kettle of fish. Some of my scripts got produced by other groups too. (Although I may have secretly held back the “good stuff” for myself.)
We ran Amaline for seven years before real life - and Doctor Who, oddly - got in the way. Long story. Ask me later.
5. Karaoke Confession
My go-to karaoke songs are Life on Mars? by David Bowie and One Week by Barenaked Ladies. And I cannot sing. At all. Please respect my courage.
6. My Life Has a Soundtrack
I’ve always been a music person. As a teenager, even if I was just heading downstairs, the headphones went on. Music wasn’t just background—it was armour.
Now? Same deal. If I’m walking to the shop, the earbuds are in, and I’m marching to my own beat like it’s the opening scene of a Netflix drama. I’ve even thought about writing songs. But, well… see point 5.
7. I Was into Podcasts Before They Were Cool
I was listening to podcasts back when people still asked, “What’s a podcast?” I started learning the ropes - editing, sound quality, distribution - around 2017 or 2018. But I didn’t release my first show (The Da Silva Linings Ghostbook) until 2020. Excuse the Jess in 2021. Imposter syndrome is real.
Now? Everyone’s got a podcast. Some of them sound terrible and have more ads than content. (I could explain why, but you’ve got better things to do.) Sometimes I wish I could rerecord my early episodes - tighten the sound, improve the delivery - but it’s all part of the learning curve.
And if you want help with your podcast? I offer services. Whether you just need advice or want someone to handle the tech side, I’ve got you covered.
8. I’m Shy. No, Seriously.
Despite all this, I have social anxiety. Posting on social media? Terrifying. Group chats? Even worse. It’s frustrating, especially when I have a lot to say. But here we are.
Character from BBC3 Comedy Tittybangbang whose catchphrase was, 'don't look at me, I'm shy.' She wasn't, I am.
9. The Arbitrary Ten
I promised ten points, and I’m not backing out now. So here’s something recent: I’ve seen four plays in London so far this year. Unicorn and Comedy About Spies were standouts. Highly recommended.
10. A Serious Note to Finish
This blog - and the podcast that will accompany it - is a safe space. There are certain shows, writers, or actors I won’t feature here. Some people are just abusive a***holes. I won’t name names, start drama, or argue on social media, but I quietly refuse to give them a platform.
If I ever get something wrong on this score, you’re welcome to let me know. But fair warning: I’ll defend myself if I think your complaint’s off-base. If you’re worried about my censorship… well, get your own blog. I’ll even help with the setup if you want.
To conclude
I hope this gives you a sense of who I am. JJS, at your service. Future posts will be written in the same style and available in audio form too, for accessibility or just because your eyes are tired from all that screen time.
Got a topic suggestion? A favourite show you want a deep dive on? Just want to say hi? Drop a comment below.
Thank you!
