Given the popularity of the ‘comedy industry’ (stand-up gigs, comedy films, government press releases), you would think that there’d be more magazines dedicated to this well-loved genre. But take a walk down to WHSmiths (or Borders for a better class of clientele) and you’ll see all the usual suspects: computing (geek porn), lad’s mags (porn lite), bodybuilding and fitness (gay porn lite), card-making (granny porn) and porn (porn) – but no comedy!
There have been some cracking comedy mags in the past, but they’ve all bitten the dust within a few issues (except for ‘Punch’ which took a few decades). There was one called ‘Comedy’ in the early 90s that barely survived past issue 2 despite a wonderful interview with Stephen Fry in its first issue. Then there was ‘Squib’ which carried no advertising (therein lies a clue to its demise) but was absolutely jam-packed with hilarious cartoons and articles (one of which was mine!)
So it’s great to see a new comedy magazine bravely attempting to make its mark: ‘Mustard’ is a new independent mag that I picked up last week in Borders in Birmingham. Its cover feature is an interview with Graham Linehan (of the IT Crowd and Father ted fame) that provides some great insights and tips for budding comedy writers. There are also enough cartoons and short humorous pieces to while away a train journey of some length (Cheltenham to Bristol Temple Meads perhaps – if you’re going to Exeter, take a ‘People’s Friend’ too).
Check it out – their website is www.mustardweb.org – issue 2 is out in March and you can still buy issue 1 on-site. They’re also looking for contributions.
Highly recommended!
