A new, unashamedly Jewish comedy chat show for a mainstream audience launches on Friday, 26th June 2020, created and hosted by comedians Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon.
"Jew Talkin' to Me?" is a lighthearted look at being Jewish through the eyes of some of the UK’s best loved Jewish comedians, presenters, broadcasters, journalists and actors.
Guests lined up for the series include Steve Furst, Ivor Baddiel, Anthony Horowitz, Sooz Kempner, Jay Foreman, Debbie Chazen, Alice Fraser, Sara Gibbs, Joe Bor, Daniel Cainer and Lynn Ruth Miller. Each share their own unique perspectives on being 21st century Jews as well as their memories of growing up and what being Jewish means to them.
The thirty-minute episodes will be packed with stories, opinions, jokes, opinions, laughs, and, as it’s a Jewish show, even more opinions. Rachel and Philip are lively and entertaining as they chat with their guests, whether they’re asking them "What's the matter, Bubbelah?" or quizzing them on their family foods and feuds. They will also find out who has the best Jewish claim to fame in ‘Six Degrees of Can’t Eat Bacon’, strive to answer important questions like, "If Laughter Is The Best Medicine, Why Do We Need Chicken Soup?"; and put an end to long running debates such as "is it pronounced bagel or beigel?"
Rachel, the only practising orthodox Jewish woman on the UK comedy circuit, says: "The show is a light-hearted look at Jewishness rather than Judaism, making it appealing and accessible to everyone. We aren’t trying to convert, educate or return anyone to the flock. This is a warm, relaxed and funny chat show that recreates the kind of conversations you'd have if you found yourself on the miscellaneous table at your cousin Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah.”
Philip, host of the Edinburgh Fringe's cult hit show Jew-O-Rama, adds: "Being Jewish means something different to everyone. For some it might be as simple as watching Friday Night Dinner and thinking it cuts a bit too close to home, for others it could be a key part of their identity. The common thread is that everyone has stories to tell and thinks their grandma's chicken soup is the best. Rachel and I sit at opposite ends of the Shabbat table. She strictly observes the sabbath, I sneakily eat bacon sandwiches. Sorry mum."
Produced by Russell Balkind, Series Producer of The Mash Report and 8 Out of 10 Cats, episodes will be available to watch online on Facebook (https://facebook/JewTalkin) and YouTube (https://bit.ly/JewTalkin) and released as a podcast on all the usual platforms. Once venues reopen and the arts scene returns, it will also be recorded in front of live audiences at festivals and wider community events.
Jew Talkin’ To Me? Imagine if The Marvellous Mrs Maisel found herself on the couch with Graham Norton!
Philip Simon
WINNER of the Jewish Comedian of the Year 2015
Philip is an award-winning stand up comedian, actor and writer who has performed across the world. He is MC and curator of the Edinburgh Fringe's cult hit show Jew-O-Rama where Jewish and Jew”ish” acts perform to a mainly non-Jewish audience in packed out rooms each year. He is also resident compere at Borehamwood Comedy Club, works on panel shows including Mock the Week and Taskmaster and has been featured on BBC R2 and BBC 3CR. He was the original Daddy Pig in the theatre production of Peppa Pig, a Muppetteer in “Muppets Most Wanted” and also appeared in TV shows such as “Any Human Heart” and “My Family”. And talking of family, he lives in Hertfordshire with his two young sons and his wife, whose own family are the cause of great disappointment to him because they pronounce it “beigel”!
Rachel Creeger
WINNER Most Audience Recommended Show Camden Fringe 2012
WINNER Best Comedy Award Greater Manchester Fringe 2017
Rachel is the only practising orthodox Jewish woman on the UK comedy circuit and has attracted a big following outside of her community who are interested in a unique, accessible voice from an unlikely source. Her debut solo show ‘It’s No Job For A Nice Jewish Girl’ had a sell-out Edinburgh run in 2017, followed by tours of the UK and Israel. She's now meant to be touring her 5* show, ‘Hinayni! but, you know, the 'rona’. Rachel is the host of Central London's spectacular annual event Chanukah in the Square and resident MC of comedy club Upstairs at the Adam & Eve. As heard on BBC Radio London (regular guest) BBC R2, BBC Ouch and BBC 3CR. She is also an award winning director and critically acclaimed playwright. Rachel was born in the sound of the Bow Bells, grew up in Essex, briefly lived in Minsk and is now based in London with her very patient husband and children, all of whom pronounce it “bagel”.
Picture: Ruth Bloch Photography
