Comedian and podcaster Paul Hilleard (BBC New Comedian of the Year 2024, Chortle Hotshot Winner 2026, Channel 4 Sean Lock Award Finalist 2025) debuts Grogg at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Named after the unique figurines made in his hometown of Pontrypridd. Grogg is a show about leaving his dying market town in The Rhondda to chase success on the other side of the Severn. At a time when the individual is king, Paul is determined to make something of himself, relentlessly attempting to blossom into, well … what? A yoga instructor? Someone who can afford therapy? The third in a polyamorous relationship? Only time will tell.
In Grogg Paul considers how the figurines can’t survive anywhere but the Valleys… but can he? Will leaving his working class roots for a middle class town allow him to finally feel comfortable? Or will he always be...a grogg?
Hailing from Pontypridd in South Wales, Paul Hilleard is an oddball stand-up described as “top-rate” by comic Spencer Jones. He is the BBC New Comedian of the Year 2024, Chortle Hotshot Winner 2026 and Channel 4 Sean Lock Award 2025 Finalistand one of the UK’s best emerging talents, having showcased his daft and dry humour on BBC Wales and Comic Relief.
Paul co-hosts the ‘Has It Got Legs’ and ‘Union of Scum’ podcasts and the monthly Scumbag Comedy Club at The Gaffe in Bristol.
Paul Hilleard: Grogg runs at the Monkey Barrel Studio between 3rd - 30th August, 10.40pm, tickets here.
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)
I usually find a dark corner so I can contort my face and silently scream into the void. As a sort of rain dance for the jester god who controls the comedy world.
What irritates you?
The jester god.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
When I was seven I asked a girl in my primary school out for Valentine’s Day. I bought her a chocolate teddy bear and a card. She burst into tears and ran away.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
I didn’t ask for help during secondary school. In class I was too scared to raise my hand and say ‘I didn’t get it.’ Instead I just nod and go with the flow.
What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
How hard it is. I thought I’d have my own TV show by now.
What do your parents think of your job?
They’re hoping it picks up soon.
What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Service stations. Especially at night. A service station at 1am is a receptacle for sadness. I always feel like I’m in limbo. It’s something about the lack of sleep, overpriced Haribo, late night bandit players and being in the middle of nowhere. I always get a sense of dread/purgatory.
I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
Thank you. Sometimes I’m pretty good, sometimes I’m pretty shitty. Depends how much sleep I’ve had and if I’m hydrated. Sometimes it's on the audience. You know it's all subjective and each to their own. But if an audience isn’t enjoying it then I’ll really start stirring the pot.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
I make most of my money selling dating advice which I find on the walls of public restrooms. There's big money in plagiarism.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Every day above ground is a blessing. You never know how much fortune you lap up throughout your life. Its all luck. Comedy, life, you just got to follow your nose. I’m lucky to have met so many decent people in comedy who’ve helped guide me to be a better person on and off stage. I’m also lucky to have met some horrible cunts who’ve demonstrated how not be.
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?
Maybe a bit of both. I’m more of a wanker. I’m active but I can take it out on myself sometimes.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
Any driver I’ve had who has kept me alive whilst on the road. I’m talking taxi, uber, bus, train, plane, ferry. They’re all Drive to me. Thank you.
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).
Nah. Drawers aren’t supposed to be tidy. Drawers where invented to keep the rest of the room tidy. Drawers are containers for mess. You can have some order to a draw e.g. sock draw (where you keep your socks) but I think a draw is inherently chaotic. I’m no doctor but if you’re tidying the inside of your drawers, you probably have OCD. But whatever gets you through the day.
AND NOW THE OPTIONAL BONUS BALL QUESTION...I've asked you 13 questions, now you get to choose a question you can ask about yourself and then answer. It could be "Why do you comedy?" it could be "Do you have any pension advice?" Or anything in between. Seriously. Anything at all. I look forward to all of your answers.
Advice:
look after your teeth, drink water, be kind to yourself and others.
