How did you get into stand-up comedy?
Its a pretty boring story, started writing some jokes, convinced a comedy club promoter to let me do a short set and went from there. The comedy community is really friendly and people were supportive straight away.
Where do you get your inspiration for your material?
I try to talk about stuff that's important to me, at the moment I’m talking a lot about being autistic. This show's called “King Of The Autistics” and it’s all about spokespeople and representation. I noticed that I was often competing for space with other autistic comics and writers, I thought that was wrong so I wrote a show about it.
How do you deal with hecklers or a tough audience?
Hecklers arent as common as people think, I think like most comics I don't mind a genuinely funny heckle and when the heckles arent funny then my job (being funnier) is easy.
What is the most memorable moment you've had on stage?
Loads of memorable for good reasons shows; opening for Frankie Boyle in the big theatre in my hometown, selling out a 300 capacity theatre on my last tour, the live podcast we did at Latitude Festival where a tent full of people share their neurodivergent moments. Probably the most memorable gig for bad reasons was the awful gig I did at a holiday resort in England (Butlins for those in the know) last year, people think that drunk audiences are the worst but that’d wrong, the worst audiences are hungover audiences.
What is the funniest or most memorable moment you've had on stage?
It’s so exciting that there are a bunch of people who specifically like my comedy, people coming up to me on the streets to say they are fans never gets boring.
What's been the highlight of your career as a stand-up comedian so far?
It’s so exciting that there are a bunch of people who specifically like my comedy, people coming up to me on the streets to say they are fans never gets boring.
Do you already have an impression of Switzerland and the Swiss, if so what is it?
I came over to do the comedy kiss gigs last year and loved it, my main takeaway about the Swiss is that you don’t appreciate Fondue enough. I was told by multiple people that I could “make it at home” but I ate it out and it was the tastiest thing I’ve ever had.
If you had to choose a favourite city, Zurich or Basel?
I didn’t get to spend much time in Basel last year so hoping that will change this time, Zurich has the Hurlimann Spa which is the most luxurious place I’ve ever been, Basel will have to really pull out all the stops to beat that.
How do you see more of Joe Wells?
Come see Joe Wells hour "King of The Autistics" at The Comedy Kiss Presents on the 26 of April in Zurich and on the 27th of April in Basel.
Can't make it?
Check him out on his website for more dates and shows here: Joe Wells.
His latest special "I Am Autistic" is tremendous and available on YouTube.