NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian and Sunday Times best-selling author Dr Benji Waterhouse returns to the Pleasance Courtyard with his second comedy hour.
‘Maddening’ will see Benji share stories from his best-selling book - alongside new ones. From luckily saving someone’s life by needing a pee (he found a noose in the bathroom), to accidentally prescribing a manic patient cannabis (they actually got better), and one unforgettable tale involving a foreign object and a penis (and they weren’t even unwell), Benji wonders if he should have picked a simpler speciality
This is a show about finding humour in the darkest places, seeing the people beneath the labels, and clinging to hope - even when your speciality lacks staff, beds, and any actual cures.
Dr Benji Waterhouse is a front-line NHS doctor specialising in psychiatry based in London. His first book ‘You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Work Here’, was acquired by Penguin and published last year to critical acclaim. It was an instant Sunday Times best-seller and optioned for television.
As a comedian he first made a splash in 2014 winning Beat the Frog World Series and was also a finalist in So You Think You’re Funny, Leicester Square New Act and he has twice been shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award. He is also a resident host for the international storytelling night The Moth in London.
Dr Benji Waterhouse's ‘Maddening’ is at the Pleasance Courtyard Beneath for the entire fringe. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com. His Sunday Times best-selling book ‘You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here’, published by Vintage, is out now in paperback.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)
Tell myself: ‘Benji what’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like anyone is going to die!’ Except for me sometimes, on stage. Which I wish I could say about my other job as a doctor.
What irritates you?
The mental health conversation being dominated by people with mild problems while people disabled by severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia rarely get airtime. That, and the fact my neighbour thinks 6am on Sunday morning is the perfect time to strim grass.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
I’m not the world’s best driver - I’ve managed to flip two cars upside down. Although, I’m proud to report that I never rolled a single car during any of my eleven driving tests.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
At medical school I once ran down some train tracks to help someone who had survived after being hit by a train. I got a Police Bravery Award for that and at the ceremony when they asked me how I knew the train tracks weren’t live, I tried to act as though it wasn’t the first time I’d considered it.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How resilient comedians are. Given the tears-of-a-clown stereotype I expected psychiatric hospitals to be full of comedians, but in 10 years of working in psychiatric hospitals I’ve never actually met one.
What do your parents think of your job?
My parents were so proud of me getting into medical school. Less so, when I went into comedy. Even worse was the sit-down conversation telling them I wanted to specialise in psychiatry. If you tell people your son is a surgeon, they’ll think, “oh, what excellent parents!”. If you tell them your son is a psychiatrist, they’ll think, “they messed up their kids”.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
The heckling. Although as a comedian who is also a psychiatrist, if anyone ever heckles me, now I know it’s just because they didn’t get enough attention as a child. Once, when I was on the open mic circuit a punter shouted: ‘you’re the worst comedian I’ve ever seen!’. And I just thought “but what’s this really about?”.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I think I can do a decent impression of a comedian - for about an hour. But I’m not a natural comedian and offstage I’m not “always on”. My ex once said, five years in, “I thought going out with a comedian would be more fun.” At least I cover meaningful albeit challenging subjects— like schizophrenia, suicide, homicide, and, most triggering of all, people who say, “have you tried yoga?”.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I work part-time as an NHS psychiatrist - full-time psychiatry isn’t good for anyone’s mental health. And thanks to my book and TV deal, I’m finally buying my first flat.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Luck is crucial. My break came when I did an online writing course with Curtis Brown Creative. Someone spotted my writing and sent it to Adam Kay’s agent, who signed me within the hour. After that, there was an eight-way book auction and a four-way TV one. I nearly pulled out of that course, too.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?
I wish I was a golfer but without a creative focus like writing or comedy I know I’d be hitting balls around the green thinking: “is this it?”.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
David Beckham. During dental procedures I close my eyes and mentally replay his free-kicks.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
Have you guys tried couples therapy?
Dr Benji Waterhouse's ‘Maddening’ is at the Pleasance Courtyard Beneath for the entire fringe. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com. His Sunday Times best-selling book ‘You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here’, published by Vintage, is out now in paperback.
PICTURE CREDIT – REBECCA NEED-MENEAR
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